Battery and battery manufacturing method with folded construction

ABSTRACT

A battery includes a first current collector, first electrode layer, and first counter electrode layer. The first counter electrode layer is a counter electrode of the first electrode layer. The first current collector includes first front and rear face regions, second front and rear face regions, and a first fold portion. The first rear face region is a region situated on the rear face of the first front face region. The second rear face region is a region situated on the rear face of the second front face region. The first fold portion is situated between the first and second front face regions. The first current collector is folded at the first fold portion, whereby the first and second rear face regions face each other. The first electrode layer is in contact with the second front face region, and the first counter electrode layer with the first front face region.

CROSS-REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/880,563, filed on Jan. 26, 2018, which claims the benefit of JapaneseApplication No. 2017-033075, filed on Feb. 24, 2017, the entiredisclosures of which applications are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a battery and a battery manufacturingmethod.

2. Description of the Related Art

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-195495discloses a sheet battery including a composite current collector havinga positive current collector layer on one face side and having anegative current collector layer on the other face side.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-67443discloses a battery including an electrode base material sectioned intomultiple regions and folded at each region, and a unit battery portionincluding a solid electrolytic layer provided to each folded region ofthe electrode base material and a positive-and-negative pair ofelectrode active material layers that sandwich the solid electrolyticlayer.

SUMMARY

Improved bonding strength of components of the battery is desired in theconventional art.

In one general aspect, the techniques disclosed here feature a batteryincluding a first current collector, a first electrode layer, and afirst counter electrode layer. The first counter electrode layer is acounter electrode of the first electrode layer. The first currentcollector includes a first front face region, a first rear face region,a second front face region, a second rear face region, and a first foldportion. The first rear face region is a region situated on the rearface of the first front face region. The second rear face region is aregion situated on the rear face of the second front face region. Thefirst fold portion is situated between the first front face region andsecond front face region. The first current collector is folded at thefirst fold portion, whereby the first rear face region and second rearface region are positioned facing each other. The first electrode layeris disposed in contact with the second front face region. The firstcounter electrode layer is disposed in contact with the first front faceregion.

A battery manufacturing method according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure is a battery manufacturing method using a batterymanufacturing apparatus. The battery manufacturing apparatus includes anelectrode layer forming unit, a counter electrode layer forming unit,and a current collector folding unit that folds a current collector. Thecurrent collector includes a first front face region, a first rear faceregion, a second front face region, a second rear face region, and afirst fold region. The first rear face region is a region situated onthe rear face of the first front face region. The second rear faceregion is a region situated on the rear face of the second front faceregion. The first fold region is a region situated between the firstfront face region and the second front face region. The method includessteps of: forming (a1) the first electrode layer in contact with thesecond front face region by the electrode layer forming unit; forming(b1) the first counter electrode layer, which is a counter electrode ofthe first electrode layer, in contact with the first front face region,by the counter electrode layer forming unit; and folding (c1) the firstfold region by the current collector folding unit. The first rear faceregion and the second rear face region are positioned facing each other,due to the current collector being folded at the first fold region inthe folding step (c1).

According to the present disclosure, bonding strength of components ofthe battery can be improved.

It should be noted that general or specific embodiments may beimplemented as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computerprogram, a storage medium, or any selective combination thereof.

Additional benefits and advantages of the disclosed embodiments willbecome apparent from the specification and drawings. The benefits and/oradvantages may be individually obtained by the various embodiments andfeatures of the specification and drawings, which need not all beprovided in order to obtain one or more of such benefits and/oradvantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a batteryaccording to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a batteryaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a batteryaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a batteryaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an exampleof a first current collector according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an exampleof a first current collector according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an exampleof a first current collector according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an exampleof a first current collector according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a batteryaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a batteryaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a batteryaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a batterymanufacturing apparatus according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a batterymanufacturing method according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a batterymanufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a batterymanufacturing method according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a batterymanufacturing method according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a currentcollector according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outer electrode layerforming step and a first electrode layer forming step;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first counterelectrode layer forming step and a second solid electrolyte layerforming step;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first solidelectrolyte layer forming step and a second solid electrolyte layerforming step;

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a currentcollector where electrode layers, counter electrode layers, and solidelectrolyte layers have been formed;

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first fold regionfolding step, first linking portion folding step, and a second linkingportion folding step;

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first linking portioncutting step and a second linking portion cutting step;

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a currentcollector where electrode layers, counter electrode layers, and solidelectrolyte layers have been formed;

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a currentcollector where electrode layers, counter electrode layers, and solidelectrolyte layers have been formed;

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a batterymanufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a batterymanufacturing method according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first adhesion portionforming step;

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first fold regionfolding step;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a batterymanufacturing method according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of second fold regionfolding step and a third linking portion folding step;

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a third linking portioncutting step;

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a batterymanufacturing method according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configurationof a battery according to a first comparative example; and

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configurationof a battery according to a second comparative example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery1000 according to a first embodiment.

Indicated by (a) in FIG. 1 is an x-z view (cross-sectional view takenalong 1A in FIG. 1) illustrating the schematic configuration of thebattery 1000 according to the first embodiment.

Indicated by (b) in FIG. 1 is an x-y view (cross-sectional view takenalong 1B in FIG. 1) illustrating the schematic configuration of thebattery 1000 according to the first embodiment.

The battery 1000 according to the first embodiment includes a firstcurrent collector 110, a first electrode layer 221, and a first counterelectrode layer 212.

The first counter electrode layer 212 is a counter electrode of thefirst electrode layer 221.

The first current collector 110 includes a first front face region 111,a first rear face region 112, a second front face region 113, a secondrear face region 114, and a first fold portion 115.

The first rear face region 112 is a region situated on the rear face ofthe first front face region 111.

The second rear face region 114 is a region situated on the rear face ofthe second front face region 113.

The first fold portion 115 is situated between the first front faceregion 111 and second front face region 113.

The first current collector 110 is folded at the first fold portion 115.Thus, the first rear face region 112 and second rear face region 114 arepositioned facing each other.

The first electrode layer 221 is disposed in contact with the secondfront face region 113.

The first counter electrode layer 212 is disposed in contact with thefirst front face region 111.

According to the above configuration, the bonding strength betweencomponents of the battery can be improved. That is to say, the firstcounter electrode layer 212 and first electrode layer 221 can berespectively disposed to the first front face region 111 and secondfront face region 113 (i.e., the two regions that are partial regions ofthe first current collector 110 and are linked by the first fold portion115). Accordingly, the positional relationship between the first counterelectrode layer 212 disposed on the first front face region 111 and thefirst electrode layer 221 disposed on the second front face region 113can be strongly maintained by the first fold portion 115 (in otherwords, by the first current collector 110 that is one component).Accordingly, in a case where a laminated battery is configured using thefirst current collector 110 for example, two battery cells making up thebattery can be linked to each other by the first current collector 110.Thus, the layers (or cells) making up the battery can be prevented fromexhibiting positional shifting or separation due to shock, vibration,and so forth, when manufacturing the battery or using the battery, forexample. That is to say, the strength of bonding of the layers (orcells) making up the battery can be improved by the first currentcollector 110. Thus, reliability of the battery can be improved.

Also, according to the above configuration, the first front face region111 on which the first counter electrode layer 212 is disposed and thesecond front face region 113 on which the first electrode layer 221 isdisposed can be connected by the first fold portion 115 with lowresistance. That is to say, the resistance between the first front faceregion 111 and the second front face region 113 can be reduced.Accordingly, even in a case where the battery is operated under a largecurrent for example, generation of heat due to contact resistancebetween the first rear face region 112 and second rear face region 114can be made less easy to occur. Accordingly, deterioration performancedoes not readily occur even if a thin current collector is used as thefirst current collector 110, for example. As a result, reduced weight ofthe battery can be realized.

The battery 1000 according to the first embodiment may further includean outer electrode layer 211 and a first solid electrolyte layer 213, asillustrated in FIG. 1.

The outer electrode layer 211 is a counter electrode of the firstcounter electrode layer 212.

The first solid electrolyte layer 213 is disposed between the firstcounter electrode layer 212 and outer electrode layer 211.

According to the above configuration, one solid battery cell (firstpower-generating element 210) can be configured from the outer electrodelayer 211, first counter electrode layer 212, and first solidelectrolyte layer 213.

Note that the battery 1000 according to the first embodiment may furtherbe provided with an outer current collector 140, as illustrated in FIG.1.

The outer current collector 140 is disposed in contact with the outerelectrode layer 211.

The first solid electrolyte layer 213 is disposed in contact with thefirst current collector 110 and the outer current collector 140.

According to the above configuration, the strength of bonding betweencomponents of the battery can be further improved. That is to say, thestrength of bonding between the first current collector 110 and outercurrent collector 140 can be improved by the first solid electrolytelayer 213. Accordingly, the first counter electrode layer 212 can besuppressed from peeling loose from the first current collector 110.Further, the outer electrode layer 211 can be suppressed from peelingloose from the outer current collector 140. Thus, the layers making upthe first power-generating element 210 can be prevented from exhibitingpositional shifting or separation due to shock, vibration, and so forth,when manufacturing the battery or using the battery, for example. Thus,reliability of the battery can be improved even further.

Note that the battery 1000 according to the first embodiment may furtherbe provided with a second counter electrode layer 222 and a second solidelectrolyte layer 223, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

The second counter electrode layer 222 is a counter electrode of thefirst electrode layer 221.

The second solid electrolyte layer 223 is disposed between the firstelectrode layer 221 and second counter electrode layer 222.

According to the above configuration, one solid battery cell (secondpower-generating element 220) can be configured from the first electrodelayer 221, second counter electrode layer 222, and second solidelectrolyte layer 223. Thus, a laminated battery can be configured ofthe first power-generating element 210 and second power-generatingelement 220 being serially connected via the first current collector110. The first power-generating element 210 (i.e., the outer electrodelayer 211, first counter electrode layer 212, and first solidelectrolyte layer 213) and the second power-generating element 220(i.e., the first electrode layer 221, second counter electrode layer222, and second solid electrolyte layer 223) can be strongly linked bythe first current collector 110 at this time. Accordingly, the batterycells making up the battery (first power-generating element 210 andsecond power-generating element 220) can be prevented from exhibitingpositional shifting or separation due to shock, vibration, and so forth,when manufacturing the battery or using the battery, for example. Thatis to say, the strength of bonding of the battery cells making up thebattery (first power-generating element 210 and second power-generatingelement 220) can be improved by the first current collector 110. Thus,the reliability of the battery can be improved while raising the batteryvoltage by the serial connection of the first power-generating element210 and second power-generating element 220.

Note that the battery 1000 according to the first embodiment may furtherbe provided with a second current collector 120, as illustrated in FIG.1.

The second current collector 120 is disposed in contact with the secondcounter electrode layer 222.

The second solid electrolyte layer 223 is disposed in contact with thefirst current collector 110 and second current collector 120.

According to the above configuration, the strength of bonding betweencomponents of the battery can be further improved. That is to say, thestrength of bonding between the first current collector 110 and secondcurrent collector 120 can be improved by the second solid electrolytelayer 223. Accordingly, the first electrode layer 221 can be suppressedfrom peeling loose from the first current collector 110. Further, thesecond counter electrode layer 222 can be suppressed from peeling loosefrom the second current collector 120. Thus, the layers making up thesecond power-generating element 220 can be prevented from exhibitingpositional shifting or separation due to shock, vibration, and so forth,when manufacturing the battery or using the battery, for example. Thus,reliability of the battery can be improved even further.

Details of advantages of the above will be described below by way offirst and second comparative examples.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configurationof a battery 9000 according to the first comparative example.

The battery 9000 according to the first comparative example has acurrent collector 910 and a current collector 920. The first electrodelayer 221 is formed in a front face region 911 of the current collector910. The first counter electrode layer 212 is formed in a front faceregion 921 of the current collector 920. A rear face region 912 of thecurrent collector 910 and a rear face region 922 of the currentcollector 920 are disposed in contact with each other here.

Now, the battery 9000 according to the first comparative example doesnot have the first current collector 110 in the battery 1000 accordingto the first embodiment. In other words, the current collector 910 andcurrent collector 920 are not linked to each other by a memberequivalent to the first fold portion 115.

Accordingly, the strength of bonding among components of the batterycannot be improved in the first comparative example. That is to say,there is a higher probability of positional deviation occurring betweenthe current collector 910 and current collector 920 that are not linkedto each other. Accordingly, there is a higher probability of positionaldeviation occurring between the components situated at the front faceregion 911 side of the current collector 910 (e.g., the secondpower-generating element 220) and the components situated at the frontface region 921 side of the current collector 920 (e.g., the firstpower-generating element 210), due to shock, vibration, and so forth,when manufacturing the battery or using the battery, for example.Accordingly, the battery reliability cannot be improved in the battery9000 according to the first comparative example.

As opposed to this, the bonding strength among the components of thebattery can be improved in the first embodiment, by having the firstcurrent collector 110 that has the first fold portion 115, as describedabove. The positional relationship of the components of the battery(e.g., the first power-generating element 210 and secondpower-generating element 220) can be maintained more strongly by thefirst fold portion 115 in the first embodiment, as compared to a casewhere the rear face region 912 of the current collector 910 and the rearface region 922 of the current collector 920 simply have an adhesivelayer provided there between, in the battery 9000 according to the firstcomparative example, for example. Further, the resistance between thefirst front face region 111 and the second front face region 113 can bereduced by the first fold portion 115.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configurationof a battery 9100 according to the second comparative example.

The battery 9100 according to the second comparative example has thecurrent collector 900. The current collector 900 is folded so that arear face region 905 and a rear face region 906 come into contact.Power-generating elements (940 a, 940 b, 940 c, and 940 d) are disposedin contact with front face regions (901, 902, 903, and 904) of thecurrent collector 900. That is to say, electrode layers (941 a, 941 b,941 c, and 941 d) are each disposed in contact with the front faceregions (901, 902, 903, and 904) of the current collector 900. Solidelectrolyte layers (943 a, 943 b, 943 c, and 943 d) are also eachdisposed in contact with the electrodes (941 a, 941 b, 941 c, and 941d). Counter electrode layers (942 a, 942 b, 942 c, and 942 d) are eachdisposed in contact with the solid electrolyte layers (943 a, 973 b, 943c, and 943 d). Current collectors (931, 932, 933, and 934) are eachdisposed in contact with the counter electrode layers (942 a, 942 b, 942c, and 942 d).

The battery 9100 according to the second comparative example has twoelectrode layers of the same polarity (i.e., electrode layer 941 b andelectrode layer 941 c) disposed across the fold portion of the currentcollector 900. That is to say, the battery 9100 according to the secondcomparative example does not have a bipolar electrode structureincluding the first current collector 110 in the battery 1000 accordingto the first embodiment. In other words, the battery 9100 according tothe second comparative example does not have a configuration where twoelectrode layers of polarity opposite to each other (e.g., the firstelectrode layer 221 and first counter electrode layer 212) are disposedacross the first fold portion 115 of the first current collector 110, asin the battery 1000 according to the first embodiment.

Accordingly, a laminated battery where the power-generating elements areserially connected cannot be made with the second comparative example.That is to say, the power-generating elements (940 a, 940 b, 940 c, and940 d) can only be connected in parallel in the battery 9100 accordingto the second comparative example. Accordingly, the battery voltagecannot be raised by serially connecting the power-generating elements inthe second comparative example.

As opposed to this, a laminated battery where the first power-generatingelement 210 and second power-generating element 220 are seriallyconnected via the first current collector 110 can be configured in thefirst embodiment, as described above. Further, the intensity of bondingof the battery cells making up the battery (first power-generatingelement 210 and second power-generating element 220) can be raised bythe first current collector 110. Accordingly, the reliability of thebattery can be improved while raising the battery voltage by the serialconnection of the first power-generating element 210 and secondpower-generating element 220.

Also, current collectors (931 and 932) of opposite polarity as that ofthe current collector 900 are disposed between the front face region 901and front face region 902 of the current collector 900 in the battery9100 according to the second comparative example. Further, currentcollectors (933 and 934) of opposite polarity as that of the currentcollector 900 are disposed between the front face region 903 and frontface region 904 of the current collector 900 in the battery 9100according to the second comparative example. That is to say, the battery9100 according to the second comparative example does not have solidelectrolyte layers disposed in contact with current collectors on bothsides, as in the battery 1000 according to the first embodiment.

Accordingly, the strength of bonding between components of the batterycannot be improved in the second comparative example. That is to say,the current collector 931 and current collector 932 (or the currentcollector 933 and 934) in the battery 9100 according to the secondcomparative example readily peel away, for example. Further, the counterelectrode layers (942 a, 942 b, 942 c, and 942 d) readily peel loosefrom the current collectors (931, 932, 933, and 934) in the battery 9100according to the second comparative example. Thus, there is apossibility that positional deviation or separation will occur among thepower-generating elements.

As opposed to this, the strength of bonding among the components of thebattery can be improved even further, by the solid electrolyte layers(i.e., the first solid electrolyte layer 213 and second solidelectrolyte layer 223) disposed in contact with the current collectorson both sides in the first embodiment, as described above. That is tosay, the strength of bonding between the first current collector 110 andouter current collector 140 can be improved by the first solidelectrolyte layer 213. The strength of bonding between the first currentcollector 110 and second current collector 120 can also be improved bythe second solid electrolyte layer 223.

The first current collector 110, outer current collector 140, and secondcurrent collector 120 may be thin films having electroconductivity, forexample. Examples of material from which first current collector 110,outer current collector 140, and second current collector 120 are formedinclude metal (stainless steel (SUS), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), and soforth), for example. The thickness of the first current collector 110(i.e., the distance between the first front face region 111 and firstrear face region 112, or the distance between the second front faceregion 113 and second rear face region 114) may be 5 to 100 μm, forexample. The thickness of the outer current collector 140 and secondcurrent collector 120 may be 5 to 100 μm, for example.

The first power-generating element 210 and second power-generatingelement 220 are power-generating units having charging and dischargingproperties (e.g., batteries), for example. The first power-generatingelement 210 and second power-generating element 220 may be batterycells, for example.

Note that the first power-generating element 210 and secondpower-generating element 220 may have solid electrolyte layers. That isto say, the first power-generating element 210 and secondpower-generating element 220 may be fully-solid batteries.

The configurations of the first power-generating element 210 and secondpower-generating element 220 (e.g., thicknesses of the layers, area,materials included, etc.) may be the same as each other, or may bedifferent.

The outer electrode layer 211 and first electrode layer 221 are layersincluding electrode material (e.g., active material).

The configurations of the outer electrode layer 211 and first electrodelayer 221 (e.g., thicknesses of the layers, area, materials included,etc.) may be the same as each other, or may be different.

The first counter electrode layer 212 and second counter electrode layer222 are layers including counter electrode material (e.g., activematerial). Counter electrode material is material making up counterelectrodes to the electrode material.

The configurations of the first counter electrode layer 212 and secondcounter electrode layer 222 (e.g., thicknesses of the layers, area,materials included, etc.) may be the same as each other, or may bedifferent.

Also, the outer electrode layer 211 and first counter electrode layer212 may be each formed over ranges narrower than the outer currentcollector 140 and first current collector 110 (i.e., the first frontface region 111 of the first current collector 110), as illustrated inFIG. 1.

The first electrode layer 221 and second counter electrode layer 222each may be formed over ranges narrower than the first current collector110 (i.e., the second front face region 113 of the first currentcollector 110) and the second current collector 120, as illustrated inFIG. 1.

The first solid electrolyte layer 213 and second solid electrolyte layer223 are solid electrolyte layers including solid electrolytes.

The configurations of the first solid electrolyte layer 213 and secondsolid electrolyte layer 223 (e.g., thicknesses of the layers, area,materials included, etc.) may be the same as each other, or may bedifferent.

The first solid electrolyte layer 213 may be disposed over a greaterarea than that of the outer electrode layer 211 and first counterelectrode layer 212, as illustrated in FIG. 1. That is to say, the firstsolid electrolyte layer 213 may be disposed in a manner covering theouter electrode layer 211 and first counter electrode layer 212.Accordingly, short-circuiting of the outer electrode layer 211 and firstcounter electrode layer 212 due to direct contact can be prevented.

Also, the first solid electrolyte layer 213 may be disposed over anarrower area than that of the outer current collector 140 and firstcurrent collector 110 (i.e., the first front face region 111 of thefirst current collector 110), as illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively,the range of formation of the first solid electrolyte layer 213 may bethe same range as that of the outer current collector 140 and firstcurrent collector 110 (i.e., the first front face region 111 of thefirst current collector 110).

Also, the second solid electrolyte layer 223 may be disposed over agreater area than that of the first electrode layer 221 and secondcounter electrode layer 222, as illustrated in FIG. 1. That is to say,the second solid electrolyte layer 223 may be disposed in a mannercovering the first electrode layer 221 and second counter electrodelayer 222. Accordingly, short-circuiting of the first electrode layer221 and second counter electrode layer 222 due to direct contact can beprevented.

Also, the second solid electrolyte layer 223 may be disposed in a rangethat is narrower than that of the first current collector 110 (i.e., thesecond front face region 113 of the first current collector 110), asillustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the range of formation of thesecond solid electrolyte layer 223 may be the same range as that of thefirst current collector 110 (i.e., the second front face region 113 ofthe first current collector 110) and the second current collector 120.

Note that the outer electrode layer 211 and first electrode layer 221may be negative active material layers. The electrode material in thiscase is a negative active material. The outer current collector 140 is anegative current collector. The first counter electrode layer 212 andsecond counter electrode layer 222 are positive active material layers.The counter electrode material is a positive active material. The secondcurrent collector 120 is a positive current collector.

Alternatively, the outer electrode layer 211 and first electrode layer221 may be positive active material layers. The electrode material inthis case is a positive active material. The outer current collector 140is a positive current collector. The first counter electrode layer 212and second counter electrode layer 222 are negative active materiallayers. The counter electrode material is a negative active material.The second current collector 120 is a negative current collector.

Known positive active materials (e.g., lithium cobalt oxide, lithiumoxonitrate (LiNO), etc.) may be used as positive active materialincluded in the positive active material layers. Various materialscapable of detachment and insertion such as lithium (Li) may be used asingredients of the positive active material.

Known solid electrolytes (e.g., inorganic solid electrolytes, etc.) maybe used as materials included in the positive active material layers.Sulfide solid electrolytes, oxide solid electrolytes, or the like, maybe used as an inorganic solid electrolyte. As an example of a sulfidesolid electrolyte, a mixture of lithium sulfide and phosphoruspentasulfide (Li₂S:P₂S₅) may be used. The surface of the positive activematerial may be coated with a solid electrolyte. Conductors (e.g.,acetylene black, etc.), adhesive binders (e.g., polyvinylidenedifluoride, etc.) may be used as materials included in the positiveactive material layers.

A positive active material layer may be fabricated by a paste-likecoating agent, in which these materials included in the positive activematerial layers have been kneaded with a solvent, being coated upon theface of a positive current collector, and dried. Pressing may beperformed after drying, in order to improve the density of the positiveactive material layer. The thickness of the positive active materiallayer fabricated in this way is 5 to 300 μm, for example.

Metal foil (e.g., SUS foil or Al foil) or the like may be used as thepositive current collector.

Known negative active materials (e.g., graphite, etc.) may be used asnegative active material included in the negative active materiallayers. Various materials capable of detachment and insertion such aslithium (Li) may be used as ingredients of the negative active material.

Known solid electrolytes (e.g., inorganic solid electrolytes, etc.) maybe used as materials included in the negative active material layers.Sulfide solid electrolytes, oxide solid electrolytes, or the like, maybe used as an inorganic solid electrolyte. As an example of a sulfidesolid electrolyte, a mixture of Li₂S:P₂S₅ may be used. Conductors (e.g.,acetylene black, etc.), adhesive binders (e.g., polyvinylidenedifluoride, etc.) may be used as materials included in the negativeactive material layers.

A negative active material layer may be fabricated by a paste-likecoating agent, in which these materials included in the negative activematerial layers have been kneaded with a solvent, being coated upon theface of a negative current collector, and dried. Pressing of thenegative polarity plate may be performed in order to improve the densityof the negative active material layer. The thickness of the negativeactive material layer fabricated in this way is 5 to 300 μm, forexample.

Metal foil (e.g., SUS foil or Cu foil) or the like may be used as thenegative current collector.

The range of formation of the positive active material layers and thenegative active material layers may be the same. Alternatively, therange of formation of the negative active material layers may be largerthan the range of formation of the positive active material layers.According to this, deterioration in reliability of the battery due tolithium deposition (or magnesium deposition), for example, can beprevented.

Known solid electrolytes (e.g., inorganic solid electrolytes, etc.) maybe used as materials included in the solid electrolyte layers. Sulfidesolid electrolytes, oxide solid electrolytes, or the like, may be usedas an inorganic solid electrolyte. As an example of a sulfide solidelectrolyte, a mixture of Li₂S:P₂S₅ may be used.

Adhesive binders (e.g., polyvinylidene difluoride, etc.) may be used asmaterials included in the solid electrolyte layers.

A solid electrolyte layer may be fabricated by a paste-like coatingagent, in which these included materials have been kneaded with asolvent, being coated upon the face of a positive current collector ornegative current collector, and dried.

The range of formation of the solid electrolyte layer may be a narrowerrange than that of an adjacent current collector, as illustrated inFIG. 1. Alternatively, the range of formation of the solid electrolytelayer may be the same range as that of an adjacent current collector.

Note that in the first embodiment, the first fold portion 115 may becovered by at least one of the first solid electrolyte layer 213 andsecond solid electrolyte layer 223.

According to the above configuration, the first fold portion 115 can beprevented from being exposed. Accordingly, the first solid electrolytelayer 213 or second solid electrolyte layer 223 can prevent, forexample, another current collector adjacent to the first currentcollector 110 (e.g., the outer current collector 140 or second currentcollector 120) and the first current collector 110 from coming intocontact with each other at the first fold portion 115. Accordingly, theprobability of another current collector adjacent to the first currentcollector 110 (e.g., the outer current collector 140 or second currentcollector 120) and the first current collector 110 short-circuiting canbe reduced. Thus, the reliability of the battery can be improved.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery1100 according to the first embodiment.

Indicated by (a) in FIG. 2 is an x-z view (cross-sectional view takenalong 2A in FIG. 2) illustrating a schematic configuration of an exampleof the battery 1100 according to the first embodiment.

Indicated by (b) in FIG. 2 is an x-y view (cross-sectional view takenalong 2B in FIG. 2) illustrating a schematic configuration of an exampleof the battery 1100 according to the first embodiment.

The battery 1100 according to the first embodiment further has, inaddition to the configuration of the above-described battery 1000according to the first embodiment, the following configuration.

That is, the first fold portion 115 of the battery 1100 according to thefirst embodiment is covered by both of the first solid electrolyte layer213 and second solid electrolyte layer 223. More specifically, part ofthe first fold portion 115 (i.e., the part adjacent to the first frontface region 111) is covered by the first solid electrolyte layer 213.Further, part of the first fold portion 115 (i.e., the part adjacent tothe second front face region 113) may be covered by the second solidelectrolyte layer 223.

Note that in the first embodiment, the first fold portion 115 may becovered by the first solid electrolyte layer 213 alone. Alternatively,the first fold portion 115 may be covered by the second solidelectrolyte layer 223 alone.

The first rear face region 112 and second rear face region 114 may be incontact with each other in the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS.1 and 2.

According to the above configuration, the first rear face region 112 andsecond rear face region 114 that are in contact with each other canconduct electricity. Thus, electron mobility is realized at the firstfold portion 115, and also electron mobility is realized between thefirst rear face region 112 and second rear face region 114 that are incontact with each other, while increasing the bonding strength betweenthe component materials of the battery by the first fold portion 115.

Note that the entire faces of the first rear face region 112 and secondrear face region 114 may be in contact with each other, as illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2. Alternatively, part of the first rear face region 112and second rear face region 114 may be in contact with each other.Alternatively, the first rear face region 112 and second rear faceregion 114 do not have to be in contact with each other. In this case, aseparate member may be disposed between the first rear face region 112and second rear face region 114.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery1200 according to the first embodiment.

Indicated by (a) in FIG. 3 is an x-z view (cross-sectional view takenalong 3A in FIG. 3) illustrating a schematic configuration of thebattery 1200 according to the first embodiment.

Indicated by (b) in FIG. 3 is an x-y view (cross-sectional view takenalong 3B in FIG. 3) illustrating a schematic configuration of thebattery 1200 according to the first embodiment.

The battery 1200 according to the first embodiment further has, inaddition to the configuration of the above-described battery 1000according to the first embodiment, the following configuration.

That is to say, the battery 1200 according to the first embodimentfurther includes a first adhesion portion 310.

The first adhesion portion 310 is a member that adheres the first rearface region 112 and second rear face region 114 to each other.

The first adhesion portion 310 is disposed between the first rear faceregion 112 and the second rear face region 114.

According to the above configuration, the bonding strength among thecomponent members of the battery can be further strengthened. That is tosay, the positional relationship between the first counter electrodelayer 212 disposed on the first front face region 111 and the firstelectrode layer 221 disposed on the second front face region 113 can bemore strongly maintained by the first adhesion portion 310, in additionto the first fold portion 115. Accordingly, the layers (or cells) makingup the battery can be prevented from exhibiting positional shifting orseparation due to shock, vibration, and so forth, when manufacturing thebattery or using the battery, for example. Thus, reliability of thebattery can be improved.

Note that in the first embodiment, the first adhesion portion 310 maycontain an electroconductive adhesive agent.

According to the above configuration, the first adhesion portion 310 canhave electroconductivity. That is to say, the first adhesion portion 310can conduct electricity. Accordingly, the first front face region 111 onwhich the first counter electrode layer 212 is disposed and the secondfront face region 113 on which the first electrode layer 221 is disposedcan be connected with low resistance by the first adhesion portion 310,in addition to the first fold portion 115. That is to say, the contactresistance between the first front face region 111 and the second frontface region 113 can be reduced. Accordingly, even in a case where thebattery is operated under a large current, generation of heat due tocontact resistance between the first front face region 111 and secondfront face region 113 can be made less easy to occur, for example.

Note that in the first embodiment, the first adhesion portion 310 may bedisposed on the entire region where the first rear face region 112 andthe second rear face region 114 face each other, as illustrated in FIG.3. In this case, the first adhesion portion 310 may be formed as auniformly continuous film. Alternatively, the first adhesion portion 310may be disposed at a part of the region where the first rear face region112 and second rear face region 114 face each other.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery1300 according to the first embodiment.

Indicated by (a) in FIG. 4 is an x-z view (cross-sectional view takenalong 4A in FIG. 4) illustrating a schematic configuration of thebattery 1300 according to the first embodiment.

Indicated by (b) in FIG. 4 is an x-y view (cross-sectional view takenalong 4B in FIG. 4) illustrating a schematic configuration of thebattery 1300 according to the first embodiment.

The battery 1300 according to the first embodiment further has, inaddition to the configuration of the above-described battery 1000according to the first embodiment, the following configuration.

That is to say, the battery 1300 according to the first embodimentfurther includes an adhesion portion 310 a, an adhesion portion 310 b,and an adhesion portion 310 c, as the first adhesion portion 310.

The adhesion portion 310 a, adhesion portion 310 b, and adhesion portion310 c are members that adhere the first rear face region 112 and secondrear face region 114 to each other.

The adhesion portion 310 a, adhesion portion 310 b, and adhesion portion310 c are disposed between the first rear face region 112 and secondrear face region 114.

At least one (or all) of the adhesion portion 310 a, adhesion portion310 b, and adhesion portion 310 c may contain an electroconductiveadhesive agent.

In the battery 1300 according to the first embodiment, the first rearface region 112 and second rear face region 114 may come into contactwith each other at positions where the adhesion portion 310 a, adhesionportion 310 b, and adhesion portion 310 c are not formed.

Note that in the first embodiment, a commonly known adhesive agent maybe used for the adhesive material included in the first adhesion portion310 (or at least one of the adhesion portion 310 a, adhesion portion 310b, and adhesion portion 310 c). Examples of the adhesive materialinclude electroconductive adhesive agents such as soft-siliconeelectroconductive adhesive agents (e.g., TB 3303G, TB 3333C, etc.,manufactured by Three Bond Co., Ltd.), silver-epoxy basedelectroconductive adhesive agents (e.g., XA-874, XA-910, etc.,manufactured by Fujikura Kasei Co., Ltd.), and so forth.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a schematicconfiguration of an example of the first current collector 110 accordingto the first embodiment.

The first current collector 110 illustrated in FIG. 5 includes amaterial 110 a in the first front face region 111.

The first current collector 110 illustrated in FIG. 5 also includes amaterial 110 b in the second front face region 113. The material 110 bhere is a different material from the material 110 a.

The first current collector 110 illustrated in FIG. 5 also includes amaterial 110 c in a region including the first rear face region 112,second rear face region 114, and first fold portion 115. The material110 c here is a different material from the material 110 a and thematerial 110 b.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a schematicconfiguration of an example of the first current collector 110 accordingto the first embodiment.

The first current collector 110 illustrated in FIG. 6 includes thematerial 110 a in the first front face region 111.

The first current collector 110 illustrated in FIG. 6 also includes thematerial 110 c in the region including the second front face region 113,first rear face region 112, second rear face region 114, and first foldportion 115. The material 110 c here is a different material from thematerial 110 a.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a schematicconfiguration of an example of the first current collector 110 accordingto the first embodiment.

The first current collector 110 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes thematerial 110 b in the second front face region 113.

The first current collector 110 illustrated in FIG. 7 also includes thematerial 110 c in the region including the first front face region 111,first rear face region 112, second rear face region 114, and first foldportion 115. The material 110 c here is a different material from thematerial 110 b.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a schematicconfiguration of an example of the first current collector 110 accordingto the first embodiment.

The first current collector 110 illustrated in FIG. 8 includes thematerial 110 c in a region including part of the first rear face region112, second rear face region 114, and first fold portion 115 (e.g., aregion on the inner side of the folded structure).

The first current collector 110 illustrated in FIG. 8 also includes amaterial 110 d in a region including part of the first front face region111, second front face region 113, and first fold portion 115 (e.g., aregion on the outer side of the folded structure). The material 110 dhere is a different material from the material 110 c.

Note that in the first embodiment, the first front face region 111 mayinclude a first material. For example, the first front face region 111may be formed of the first material or include the first material as theprimary component thereof.

Also, the second front face region 113 may include a second material.For example, the second front face region 113 may be formed of thesecond material or include the second material as the primary componentthereof.

The second material here may be a material that is different from thefirst material, as illustrated in the examples in any one of FIGS. 5through 7.

According to the above configuration, a material suitable for electricconnection to the first counter electrode layer 212 can be used as thefirst material. At the same time, a material suitable for electricconnection to the first electrode layer 221 can be used as the secondmaterial. According to these, the electrical connection between thefirst front face region 111 and first counter electrode layer 212 andthe electrical connection between the second front face region 113 andfirst electrode layer 221 can be improved, while increasing bondingstrength between the component materials of the battery by the firstfold portion 115.

Note that in the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the first material ismaterial 110 a and the second material is material 110 b.

Also, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the first material ismaterial 110 a and the second material is material 110 c.

Further, in the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the first material ismaterial 110 c and the second material is material 110 b.

In the first embodiment, the first rear face region 112 and second rearface region 114 may include a third material, as illustrated in any oneof FIGS. 5 through 8. For example, the first rear face region 112 andsecond rear face region 114 may be formed of the third material orinclude the third material as the primary component thereof. That is tosay, the first rear face region 112 and second rear face region 114 mayinclude the same material 110 c.

According to the configuration described above, reliability ofconnection among power-generating elements can be improved whileincreasing bonding strength between the component materials of thebattery by the first fold portion 115. That is to say, occurrence oftrouble between the first rear face region 112 and second rear faceregion 114 can be reduced by a configuration where the first rear faceregion 112 and second rear face region 114 are of the same thirdmaterial. More specifically, even in a case where environmental gas(e.g., gas component remaining in or invading into the containing thelaminated member of the first power-generating element 210 and secondpower-generating element 220) enters into a minute gap region betweenthe first rear face region 112 and second rear face region 114, there isno different in miniature potential different or ionization rate betweenthe first rear face region 112 and second rear face region 114, due tobeing formed of the same third material. Accordingly, even if used for along period of time for example, trouble such as the corrosionphenomenon does not occur between the first rear face region 112 andsecond rear face region 114.

Note that in the first embodiment, the first material may be a differentmaterial from the third material, as illustrated in the examples in anyone of FIGS. 5, 6, and 8.

According to the configuration described above, a material suitable forelectrical connection to the first counter electrode layer 212 can beused as the first material. Thus, the first rear face region 112 andsecond rear face region 114 can be formed of the third material, whileincreasing bonding strength between the component materials of thebattery by the first fold portion 115, and while obtaining goodelectrical connection between the first front face region 111 and thefirst counter electrode layer 212 by using the first material.

Also, a minute gap region does not form between the first front faceregion 111 and the first rear face region 112 (e.g., the first frontface region 111 and first rear face region 112 are in tight contact),due to integrally forming the first front face region 111 and first rearface region 112 as a single member (i.e., the first current collector110). Accordingly, invasion of environmental gas between the first frontface region 111 and first rear face region 112 can be prevented. Thus,trouble such as the corrosion phenomenon does not occur between thefirst front face region 111 and first rear face region 112 that areformed of different materials from each other, as well.

Note that in the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the first material ismaterial 110 a and the third material is material 110 c.

Also, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the first material ismaterial 110 a and the third material is material 110 c.

Further, in the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the first material ismaterial 110 d and the third material is material 110 c.

Moreover, in the first embodiment, the second material may be adifferent material form the third material, as illustrated in theexamples in any one of FIGS. 5, 7, and 8.

According to the configuration described above, a material suitable forelectrical connection to the first electrode layer 221 can be used asthe second material. Thus, the first rear face region 112 and secondrear face region 114 can be formed of the third material, whileincreasing bonding strength between the component materials of thebattery by the first fold portion 115, and while obtaining goodelectrical connection between the second front face region 113 and thefirst electrode layer 221 by using the second material.

Also, a minute gap region does not form between the second front faceregion 113 and the second rear face region 114 (e.g., the second frontface region 113 and second rear face region 114 are in tight contact),due to integrally forming the second front face region 113 and secondrear face region 114 as a single member (i.e., the first currentcollector 110). Accordingly, invasion of environmental gas between thesecond front face region 113 and second rear face region 114 can beprevented. Thus, trouble such as the corrosion phenomenon does not occurbetween the second front face region 113 and second rear face region 114that are formed of different materials from each other, as well.

Note that in the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the second material ismaterial 110 b and the third material is material 110 c.

Also, in the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the second material ismaterial 110 b and the third material is material 110 c.

Further, in the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the second material ismaterial 110 d and the third material is material 110 c.

In a case where the first counter electrode layer 212 is a positiveactive material layer (i.e., in a case where the counter electrodematerial is positive active material), SUS, Al, and so forth, may beused as the first material included in the first front face region 111.

Alternatively, in a case where the first counter electrode layer 212 isa negative active material layer (i.e., in a case where the counterelectrode material is negative active material), SUS, Cu, and so forth,may be used as the first material included in the first front faceregion 111.

In a case where the first electrode layer 221 is a positive activematerial layer (i.e., in a case where the electrode material is positiveactive material), SUS, Al, and so forth, may be used as the secondmaterial included in the second front face region 113.

Alternatively, in a case where the first electrode layer 221 is anegative active material layer (i.e., in a case where the electrodematerial is negative active material), SUS, Cu, and so forth, may beused as the second material included in the second front face region113.

Al, Cu, platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), and alloys thereof, may be used asthe third material included in the first rear face region 112 and secondrear face region 114. Using Pt, Ni, and alloys thereof, as the thirdmaterial, enables anti-corrosion nature to be improved. Alternatively,the third material may be a material that has high chemical resistanceto environmental gas that may exist around the power-generating elementsin minute amounts (e.g., hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas). Examples of thethird material may include tantalum, gold, Inconel, alloys thereof, andso forth.

Note that in the first embodiment, the expression, “a predeterminedregion includes a predetermined material as a primary component” meansthat, for example, “a predetermined region includes 50% by weight ormore of a predetermined material as to the entirety of the predeterminedregion”.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a schematicconfiguration of a battery 1400 according to the first embodiment.

The battery 1400 according to the first embodiment has the followingconfiguration in addition to the configuration of the above-describedbattery 1000 according to the first embodiment.

That is to say, the battery 1400 according to the first embodimentfurther includes the second current collector 120, a second electrodelayer 231, the second counter electrode layer 222, and the second solidelectrolyte layer 223.

The second counter electrode layer 222 is a counter electrode of thefirst electrode layer 221 and second electrode layer 231.

The second current collector 120 includes a third front face region 121,a third rear face region 122, a fourth front face region 123, a fourthrear face region 124, and a second fold portion 125.

The third rear face region 122 is a region situated on the rear face ofthe third front face region 121.

The fourth rear face region 124 is a region situated on the rear face ofthe fourth front face region 123.

The second fold portion 125 is situated between the third front faceregion 121 and fourth front face region 123.

The third rear face region 122 and fourth rear face region 124 arepositioned facing each other, due to the second current collector 120being folded at the second fold portion 125.

The second electrode layer 231 is disposed in contact with the fourthfront face region 123.

The second counter electrode layer 222 is disposed in contact with thethird front face region 121.

The second solid electrolyte layer 223 is disposed between the firstelectrode layer 221 and second counter electrode layer 222.

According to the above configuration, the bonding strength amongcomponent members of the battery can be further improved. That is tosay, the second counter electrode layer 222 and second electrode layer231 can be respectively disposed on the third front face region 121 andfourth front face region 123 (i.e., two regions that are partial regionsof the second current collector 120 and that are linked by the secondfold portion 125). Accordingly, the positional relationship between thesecond counter electrode layer 222 disposed on the third front faceregion 121 and the second electrode layer 231 disposed on the fourthfront face region 123 can be strongly maintained by the second foldportion 125 (in other words, by the second current collector 120 that isone component). Accordingly, in a case where the laminated battery isconfigured using the first current collector 110 and the second currentcollector 120 for example, three battery cells (cells) making up thebattery can be linked with each other by the first current collector 110and second current collector 120. Thus, the layers (or cells) making upthe battery can be prevented from exhibiting positional shifting orseparation due to shock, vibration, and so forth, when manufacturing thebattery or using the battery, for example. That is to say, the strengthof bonding of the layers (or cells) making up the battery can beimproved by the first current collector 110 and second current collector120. Thus, reliability of the battery can be improved.

Also, according to the above configuration, the third front face region121 on which the second counter electrode layer 222 is disposed and thefourth front face region 123 on which the second electrode layer 231 isdisposed can be connected by the second fold portion 125 with lowresistance. That is to say, the resistance between the third front faceregion 121 and the fourth front face region 123 can be reduced.Accordingly, even in a case where the battery is operated under a largecurrent for example, generation of heat due to contact resistancebetween the third rear face region 122 and fourth rear face region 124can be made less easy to occur. Accordingly, deterioration performancedoes not readily occur even if a thin current collector is used as thesecond current collector 120, for example. As a result, reduced weightof the battery can be realized.

Note that the battery 1400 according to the first embodiment may furtherinclude a third counter electrode layer 232 and a third solidelectrolyte layer 233, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

The third counter electrode layer 232 is a counter electrode of thesecond electrode layer 231.

The third solid electrolyte layer 233 is situated between the secondelectrode layer 231 and third counter electrode layer 232.

According to the above configuration, one solid battery cell (thirdpower-generating element 230) can be configured from the secondelectrode layer 231, third counter electrode layer 232, and third solidelectrolyte layer 233. Thus, a laminated battery can be configured ofthe first power-generating element 210, second power-generating element220, and third power-generating element 230 each being seriallyconnected via the first current collector 110 and second currentcollector 120. The second power-generating element 220 (i.e., the firstelectrode layer 221, second counter electrode layer 222, and secondsolid electrolyte layer 223) and the third power-generating element 230(i.e., the second electrode layer 231, third counter electrode layer232, and third solid electrolyte layer 233) can be strongly linked bythe second current collector 120 at this time. Accordingly, the batterycells (second power-generating element 220 and third power-generatingelement 230) can be prevented from exhibiting positional shifting orseparation due to shock, vibration, and so forth, when manufacturing thebattery or using the battery, for example. That is to say, the strengthof bonding of the battery cells (second power-generating element 220 andthird power-generating element 230) can be improved by the secondcurrent collector 120. Thus, the reliability of the battery can beimproved while raising the battery voltage by the serial connection ofthe second power-generating element 220 and third power-generatingelement 230.

Note that the battery 1400 according to the first embodiment may furtherbe provided with a third current collector 130, as illustrated in FIG.9.

The third current collector 130 is disposed in contact with the thirdcounter electrode layer 232.

The third solid electrolyte layer 233 is disposed in contact with thesecond current collector 120 and third current collector 130.

According to the above configuration, the strength of bonding amongcomponent members of the battery can be further improved. That is tosay, the strength of bonding between the second current collector 120and third current collector 130 can be improved by the third solidelectrolyte layer 233. Accordingly, the second electrode layer 231 canbe suppressed from peeling loose from the second current collector 120.Further, the third counter electrode layer 232 can be suppressed frompeeling loose from the third current collector 130. Thus, the layersmaking up the third power-generating element 230 can be prevented fromexhibiting positional shifting or separation due to shock, vibration,and so forth, when manufacturing the battery or using the battery, forexample. Thus, reliability of the battery can be improved even further.

The second current collector 120 and third current collector 130 may bethin films having electroconductivity, for example. Examples of materialfrom which the second current collector 120 and third current collector130 are formed include metal (SUS, Al, Cu, and so forth), for example.The thickness of the second current collector 120 (i.e., the distancebetween the third front face region 121 and third rear face region 122,or the distance between the fourth front face region 123 and fourth rearface region 124) may be 5 to 100 μm, for example. The thickness of thethird current collector 130 may be 5 to 100 μm, for example.

The configuration illustrated as the above-described first currentcollector 110 may be used as the configuration of the second currentcollector 120 as appropriate.

The configurations of the first current collector 110 and second currentcollector 120 (e.g., thicknesses, area of formation, materials included,etc.) may be the same as each other, or may be different.

The third power-generating element 230 is a power-generating unit havingcharging and discharging properties (e.g., a battery), for example. Thethird power-generating element 230 may be a battery cell, for example.Also, the third power-generating element 230 may be a fully-solidbattery.

The configurations of the first power-generating element 210, secondpower-generating element 220, and third power-generating element 230(e.g., thicknesses of the layers, area of formation, materials included,etc.) may be the same as each other, or may be different.

The second electrode layer 231 is a layer including electrode material(e.g., active material).

The configurations of the outer electrode layer 211, first electrodelayer 221, and second electrode layer 231 (e.g., thicknesses of thelayers, area of formation, materials included, etc.) may be the same aseach other, or may be different.

The third counter electrode layer 232 is a layer including counterelectrode material (e.g., active material). Counter electrode materialis material making up counter electrodes to the electrode material.

The configurations of the first counter electrode layer 212, secondcounter electrode layer 222, and third counter electrode layer 232(e.g., thicknesses of the layers, area of formation, materials included,etc.) may be the same as each other, or may be different.

Also, the second electrode layer 231 and third counter electrode layer232 may be each formed over ranges narrower than the second currentcollector 120 (i.e., the fourth front face region 123 of the secondcurrent collector 120) and the third current collector 130, asillustrated in FIG. 9.

The third solid electrolyte layer 233 is a solid electrolyte layerincluding a solid electrolyte.

The configurations of the first solid electrolyte layer 213, secondsolid electrolyte layer 223, and third solid electrolyte layer 233(e.g., thicknesses of the layers, area of formation, materials included,etc.) may be the same as each other, or may be different.

Also, the third solid electrolyte layer 233 may be disposed over agreater area than that of the second electrode layer 231 and thirdcounter electrode layer 232, as illustrated in FIG. 9. That is to say,the third solid electrolyte layer 233 may be disposed in a mannercovering the second electrode layer 231 and third counter electrodelayer 232. Accordingly, short-circuiting of the second electrode layer231 and third counter electrode layer 232 due to direct contact can beprevented.

Also, the third solid electrolyte layer 233 may be disposed in a rangethat is narrower than that of the second power-generating element 220(i.e., fourth front face region 123 of the second current collector 120)and third current collector 130, as illustrated in FIG. 9.Alternatively, the range of formation of the third solid electrolytelayer 233 may be the same range as that of the second current collector120 (i.e., the fourth front face region 123 of the second currentcollector 120) and third current collector 130.

Note that the outer electrode layer 211, first electrode layer 221, andsecond electrode layer 231 may be negative active material layers. Theelectrode material in this case is a negative active material. The outercurrent collector 140 is a negative current collector. The first counterelectrode layer 212, second counter electrode layer 222, and thirdcounter electrode layer 232 are positive active material layers. Thecounter electrode material is a positive active material. The thirdcurrent collector 130 is a positive current collector.

Alternatively, the outer electrode layer 211, first electrode layer 221,and second electrode layer 231 may be positive active material layers.The electrode material in this case is a positive active material. Theouter current collector 140 is a positive current collector. The firstcounter electrode layer 212, second counter electrode layer 222, andthird counter electrode layer 232 are negative active material layers.The counter electrode material is a negative active material. The thirdcurrent collector 130 is a negative current collector.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a schematicconfiguration of a battery 1500 according to the first embodiment.

The battery 1500 according to the first embodiment has the followingconfiguration in addition to the configuration of the above-describedbattery 1400 according to the first embodiment.

That is to say, the battery 1500 according to the first embodimentfurther is provided with the first adhesion portion 310 and a secondadhesion portion 320.

The second adhesion portion 320 is a member that adheres the third rearface region 122 and fourth rear face region 124 to each other.

The second adhesion portion 320 is disposed between the third rear faceregion 122 and fourth rear face region 124.

According to the above configuration, the bonding strength among thecomponent members of the battery can be further improved. That is tosay, the positional relationship between the second counter electrodelayer 222 disposed on the third front face region 121 and the secondelectrode layer 231 disposed on the fourth front face region 123 can bestrongly maintained by the second adhesion portion 320, in addition tothe second fold portion 125. Accordingly, the layers (or cells) makingup the battery can be prevented from exhibiting positional shifting orseparation due to shock, vibration, and so forth, when manufacturing thebattery or using the battery, for example. Thus, reliability of thebattery can be improved.

Note that the second adhesion portion 320 may contain anelectroconductive adhesive agent.

According to the above configuration, the second adhesion portion 320can have electroconductivity. That is to say, the second adhesionportion 320 can conduct electricity. Accordingly, the third front faceregion 121 on which the second counter electrode layer 222 is disposedand the fourth front face region 123 on which the second electrode layer231 is disposed can be connected with low resistance by the secondadhesion portion 320, in addition to the second fold portion 125. Thatis to say, the contact resistance between the third front face region121 and the fourth front face region 123 can be reduced. Accordingly,even in a case where the battery is operated under a large current,generation of heat due to contact resistance between the third frontface region 121 and fourth front face region 123 can be made less easyto occur, for example.

Note that the second adhesion portion 320 may be disposed on the entireregion where the third rear face region 122 and fourth rear face region124 face each other, as illustrated in FIG. 10. In this case, the secondadhesion portion 320 may be formed as a uniformly continuous film.Alternatively, the second adhesion portion 320 may be disposed at a partof the region where the third rear face region 122 and fourth rear faceregion 124 face each other.

The configurations of the first adhesion portion 310 and second adhesionportion 320 (e.g., thicknesses of the layers, area of formation,materials included, etc.) may be the same as each other, or may bedifferent.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a schematicconfiguration of a battery 1600 according to the first embodiment.

The battery according to the first embodiment may be configured withfour or more power-generating elements having been laminated, asillustrated in FIG. 11.

A fourth and subsequent power-generating elements are further laminatedon the third current collector 130 in the battery 1600 illustrated inFIG. 11. A bipolar battery where multiple power-generating elements(cells) are serially connected is capable of yielding high voltage, forexample.

The number of layers of power-generating elements making up the batteryaccording to the first embodiment may be two to 200, for example.Adjusting the number of layers of power-generating elements can realizeadjustment of output in accordance with the usage of the battery(electronic devices, electric machines, electric vehicles, stationarybatteries, etc.).

Note that in the first embodiment, part (or all) of the side faces ofthe laminated structure of power-generating elements may be covered byan insulating material (e.g., a sealant). Accordingly, theserially-connected power-generating elements can be sealed. The sealanthere may be a moisture-preventing laminating sheet. Thus, the sealantcan prevent the power-generating elements from deteriorating due tomoisture. The laminated structure of the power-generating elements maybe contained within a sealing case. Commonly known battery cases (e.g.,laminating sacks, metal cans, resin cases, etc.) may be used as asealing case.

Also, the battery according to the first embodiment may further have apair of external electrodes. The pair of external electrodes mayprotrude to the outer side of the top and bottom faces (or side faces)of the laminated structure, in a case where the entirety of thelaminated structure of power-generating elements is to be sealed by thesealant. One of the external electrodes may be connected to the outercurrent collector 140, for example. The other of the external electrodeshere may be connected to, for example, the second current collector 120or third current collector 130. This enables discharge to a loadconnected to the pair of external electrodes, and charging of thebattery (the power-generating elements) by a charging device connectedto the pair of external electrodes.

A manufacturing method of the battery according to the first embodimentwill be described below as a second embodiment.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment will be described below. Description that isredundant with that of the above-described first embodiment will beomitted as appropriate.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a batterymanufacturing apparatus 2000 according to the second embodiment.

The battery manufacturing apparatus 2000 according to the secondembodiment is provided with an electrode layer forming unit 410, acounter electrode layer forming unit 420, and a current collectorfolding unit 430.

The current collector folding unit 430 folds a current collector 100.

The current collector 100 has the first front face region 111, firstrear face region 112, second front face region 113, second rear faceregion 114, and a first fold region 116.

The first rear face region 112 is a region situated on the rear face ofthe first front face region 111.

The second rear face region 114 is a region situated on the rear face ofthe second front face region 113.

The first fold region 116 is a region situated between the first frontface region 111 and second front face region 113.

The electrode layer forming unit 410 forms the first electrode layer 221in contact with the second front face region 113.

The counter electrode layer forming unit 420 forms the first counterelectrode layer 212, which is a counter electrode of the first electrodelayer 221, in contact with the first front face region 111.

The current collector folding unit 430 folds the first fold region 116.

The first rear face region 112 and second rear face region 114 arepositioned facing each other, due to the current collector 100 beingfolded at the first fold region 116 by the current collector foldingunit 430.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a batterymanufacturing method according to the second embodiment.

The battery manufacturing method according to the second embodiment is abattery manufacturing method using the battery manufacturing apparatusaccording to the second embodiment. For example, the batterymanufacturing method according to the second embodiment is a batterymanufacturing method executed at the battery manufacturing apparatusaccording to the second embodiment.

The battery manufacturing method according to the second embodimentincludes a first electrode layer forming step S1101 (i.e., a step (a1)),a first counter electrode layer forming step S1201 (i.e., a step (b1)),and a first fold region folding step S1301 (i.e., a step (c1)).

The first electrode layer forming step S1101 is a step in which thefirst electrode layer 221 is formed in contact with the second frontface region 113 by the electrode layer forming unit 410.

The first counter electrode layer forming step S1201 is a step in whichthe first counter electrode layer 212, which is a counter electrode ofthe first electrode layer 221, is formed in contact with the first frontface region 111 by the counter electrode layer forming unit 420.

The first fold portion folding step S1301 is a step in which the firstfold region 116 is folded by the current collector folding unit 430.

The first rear face region 112 and second rear face region 114 arepositioned facing each other, due to the current collector 100 beingfolded by the current collector folding unit 430 in the first foldregion folding step S1301.

According to the above manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method,the bonding strength among component members of the battery can befurther improved. That is to say, the first counter electrode layer 212and first electrode layer 221 can be respectively disposed on the firstfront face region 111 and second front face region 113 (i.e., tworegions that are partial regions of the current collector 100 and thatare linked by the first fold region 116). Accordingly, the positionalrelationship between the first counter electrode layer 212 and the firstelectrode layer 221 can be strongly maintained by the first fold region116 (in other words, by the current collector 100 that is onecomponent). Accordingly, positional deviation of the formation positionsof the first counter electrode layer 212 and first electrode layer 221in the steps of forming the first counter electrode layer 212 and firstelectrode layer 221 on the current collector 100 (or in other steps) canbe prevented. Further, the layers (or cells) making up the battery canbe prevented from exhibiting positional shifting or separation due toshock, vibration, and so forth, when manufacturing the battery, forexample. Thus, yield when manufacturing the battery can be improved.

According to the above configuration, electrodes having a bipolarstructure can be fabricated by a convenient single-face film formationprocess. That is to say, a bipolar current collector having the twopoles of the first counter electrode layer 212 and first electrode layer221 can be fabricated by the step of forming the first counter electrodelayer 212 and first electrode layer 221 on one face of the currentcollector 100 (i.e., the front face of the current collector 100 wherethe first front face region 111 and second front face region 113 aresituated), and the step of folding at the first fold region 116. Thus,bipolar-structure electrodes can be fabricated more conveniently andless expensively as compared to a case of using a process of formingfilms on both faces of the current collector.

The configurations illustrated as the first current collector 110 in theabove-described first embodiment may be used for the configuration ofthe current collector 100 (e.g., materials, thicknesses, etc.) asappropriate. Part of the current collector 100 may have theconfigurations (materials) illustrated in any of FIGS. 5 through 8described above.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a batterymanufacturing apparatus 2100 according to the second embodiment.

The battery manufacturing apparatus 2100 according to the secondembodiment further has the following configuration, in addition to theconfiguration of the above-described battery manufacturing apparatus2000 according to the second embodiment.

That is to say, the battery manufacturing apparatus 2100 according tothe second embodiment is provided with a solid electrolyte layer formingunit 440 and a cutting unit 450.

The current collector 100 has a first linking portion 151 and an outerregion 141.

The first linking portion 151 is a region adjacent to the first frontface region 111.

The outer region 141 is a region adjacent to the first linking portion151.

The electrode layer forming unit 410 forms the outer electrode layer211, which is a counter electrode of the first counter electrode layer212, in contact with the outer region 141.

The solid electrolyte layer forming unit 440 forms the first solidelectrolyte layer 213 on at least one of the first counter electrodelayer 212 and outer electrode layer 211.

The current collector folding unit 430 folds the first linking portion151.

The first solid electrolyte layer 213 is interposed between the firstcounter electrode layer 212 and outer electrode layer 211, due to thecurrent collector 100 being folded at the first linking portion 151 bythe current collector folding unit 430.

The cutting unit 450 cuts the first linking portion 151.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a batterymanufacturing method according to the second embodiment.

The battery manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 15 further includesthe following steps, in addition to the steps of the above-describedbattery manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 13.

That is to say, the battery manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 15further includes an outer electrode layer forming step S1100 (i.e., astep (a0)), a first solid electrolyte layer forming step S1401 (i.e., astep (d1)), a first linking portion folding step S1501 (i.e., a step(e1)), and a first linking portion cutting step S1601 (i.e., a step(f1)).

The outer electrode layer forming step S1100 is a step in which theouter electrode layer 211, which is a counter electrode of the firstcounter electrode layer 212, is formed in contact with the outer region141 by the electrode layer forming unit 410.

The first solid electrolyte layer forming step S1401 is a step in whichthe first solid electrolyte layer 213 is formed on at least one of thefirst counter electrode layer 212 and outer electrode layer 211 by thesolid electrolyte layer forming unit 440.

The first linking portion folding step S1501 is a step in which thefirst linking portion 151 is folded by the current collector foldingunit 430. The first linking portion folding step S1501 may be executedafter the first solid electrolyte layer forming step S1401.

The first solid electrolyte layer 213 is interposed between the firstcounter electrode layer 212 and outer electrode layer 211, due to thecurrent collector 100 being folded at the first linking portion 151 bythe current collector folding unit 430 in the first linking portionfolding step S1501.

The first linking portion cutting step S1601 is a step in which thefirst linking portion 151 is cut by the cutting unit 450. The firstlinking portion cutting step S1601 may be executed after the firstlinking portion folding step S1501.

According to the above manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method,one solid battery cell (first power-generating element 210) can befabricated by a convenient single-face film formation process. That isto say, a solid battery cell (first power-generating element 210) havingthe outer electrode layer 211, first counter electrode layer 212, andthe first solid electrolyte layer 213, can be formed by a step offorming the first counter electrode layer 212 and outer electrode layer211 on one face of a current collector 100 (i.e., the front face of thecurrent collector 100 where the first front face region 111 and outerregion 141 are situated), a step of folding the first linking portion151, and a step of cutting the first linking portion 151. Accordingly, asolid battery cell can be fabricated while suppressing positionaldeviating among the component members, as compared with a case of usinga process of laminating a great number of individual component members.

Note that the current collector 100 according to the second embodimentmay include a second linking portion 152 and a third front face region121.

The second linking portion 152 is a region adjacent to the second frontface region 113.

The third front face region 121 is a region adjacent to the secondlinking portion 152.

In the battery manufacturing apparatus 2100 according to the secondembodiment, the counter electrode layer forming unit 420 may form thesecond counter electrode layer 222, which is a counter electrode of thefirst electrode layer 221, in contact with the third front face region121.

The solid electrolyte layer forming unit 440 may form the second solidelectrolyte layer 223 on at least one of the first electrode layer 221and second counter electrode layer 222.

The current collector folding unit 430 may fold the second linkingportion 152.

At this time, the second solid electrolyte layer 223 may be disposedbetween the first electrode layer 221 and second counter electrode layer222, due to the current collector 100 being folded at the second linkingportion 152 by the current collector folding unit 430.

The cutting unit 450 may cut the second linking portion 152.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a batterymanufacturing method according to the second embodiment.

The battery manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 16 further includesthe following steps, in addition to the steps of the above-describedbattery manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 15.

That is to say, the battery manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 16further includes a second counter electrode layer forming step S1202(i.e., a step (b2)), a second solid electrolyte layer forming step S1402(i.e., a step (d2)), a second linking portion folding step S1502 (i.e.,a step (e2)), and a second linking portion cutting step S1602 (i.e., astep (f2)).

The second counter electrode layer forming step S1202 is a step in whichthe second counter electrode layer 222, which is a counter electrode ofthe first electrode layer 221, is formed in contact with the third frontface region 121 by the counter electrode layer forming unit 420.

The second solid electrolyte layer forming step S1402 is a step in whichthe second solid electrolyte layer 223 is formed on at least one of thefirst electrode layer 221 and second counter electrode layer 222 by thesolid electrolyte layer forming unit 440.

The second linking portion folding step S1502 is a step of folding thesecond linking portion 152 by the current collector folding unit 430.The second linking portion folding step S1502 may be executed after thesecond solid electrolyte layer forming step S1402.

The second solid electrolyte layer 223 is interposed between the firstelectrode layer 221 and second counter electrode layer 222, due to thecurrent collector 100 being folded at the second linking portion 152 bythe current collector folding unit 430 in the second linking portionfolding step S1502.

The second linking portion cutting step S1602 is a step of cutting thesecond linking portion 152 by the cutting unit 450. The second linkingportion cutting step S1602 may be executed after the second linkingportion folding step S1502.

According to the above manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method,one solid battery cell (second power-generating element 220) can befabricated by a convenient single-face film formation process. That isto say, a solid battery cell (second power-generating element 220)having the first electrode layer 221, second counter electrode layer222, and second solid electrolyte layer 223, can be formed by a step offorming the first electrode layer 221 and second counter electrode layer222 on one face of the current collector 100 (i.e., the front face ofthe current collector 100 where the second front face region 113 andthird front face region 121 are situated), a step of folding the secondlinking portion 152, and a step of cutting the second linking portion152. Accordingly, a laminated battery, where the first power-generatingelement 210 and second power-generating element 220 are seriallyconnected via part of the current collector 100 (i.e., the first currentcollector 110), can be fabricated while suppressing positional deviatingamong the component members, as compared with a case of using a processof laminating a great number of individual component members.

According to the above-described manufacturing apparatus andmanufacturing method, the battery 1000 according to the first embodimentcan be manufactured.

A specific example of the battery manufacturing method according to thesecond embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of thecurrent collector 100 according to the second embodiment.

Indicated by (a) in FIG. 17 is an x-z diagram (cross-sectional viewtaken along 17A in FIG. 17) illustrating a schematic configuration ofthe current collector 100 according to the second embodiment.

Indicated by (b) in FIG. 17 is an x-y diagram (plan view) illustrating aschematic configuration of the current collector 100 according to thesecond embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the outer electrodelayer forming step S1100 and first electrode layer forming step S1101.

The outer electrode layer 211 is formed in contact with the outer region141 by the electrode layer forming unit 410, by the outer electrodelayer forming step S1100 being performed. The electrode layer formingunit 410 may apply a coating material (a paste-like coating agent, inwhich materials making up the outer electrode layer 211 have beenkneaded with a solvent) on the outer region 141 of the current collector100 prepared beforehand, for example. The coating material may then bedried. The coating material may be pressed after drying. This enablesthe density of the material of the outer electrode layer 211 to beincreased.

The first electrode layer 221 is formed in contact with the second frontface region 113 by the electrode layer forming unit 410, by the firstelectrode layer forming step S1101 being performed. The electrode layerforming unit 410 may apply a coating material (a paste-like coatingagent, in which in which materials making up the first electrode layer221 have been kneaded with a solvent) on the second front face region113 of the current collector 100 prepared beforehand, for example. Thecoating material may then be dried. The coating material may be pressedafter drying. This enables the density of the material of the firstelectrode layer 221 to be increased.

Note that the outer electrode layer forming step S1100 may be executedbefore the first electrode layer forming step S1101, or may be executedafterwards.

Thus, the electrode layers may be intermittently formed, having aregularity, on the front face of the current collector 100. For example,the electrode layers may be formed in rectangular regions atpredetermined intervals, as illustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first counterelectrode layer forming step S1201 and second counter electrode layerforming step S1202.

The first counter electrode layer 212 is formed in contact with thefirst front face region 111 by the counter electrode layer forming unit420, by the first counter electrode layer forming step S1201 beingperformed. The counter electrode layer forming unit 420 may apply acoating material (a paste-like coating agent, in which materials makingup the first counter electrode layer 212 have been kneaded with asolvent) on the first front face region 111 of the current collector 100prepared beforehand, for example. The coating material may then bedried. The coating material may be pressed after drying. This enablesthe density of the material of the first counter electrode layer 212 tobe increased.

The second counter electrode layer 222 is formed in contact with thethird front face region 121 by the counter electrode layer forming unit420, by the second counter electrode layer forming step S1202 beingperformed. The counter electrode layer forming unit 420 may apply acoating material (a paste-like coating agent, in which materials makingup the second counter electrode layer 222 have been kneaded with asolvent) on the third front face region 121 of the current collector 100prepared beforehand, for example. The coating material may then bedried. The coating material may be pressed after drying. This enablesthe density of the material of the second counter electrode layer 222 tobe increased.

The first counter electrode layer forming step S1201 may be executedbefore the second counter electrode layer forming step S1202, or may beexecuted afterwards.

Thus, the counter electrode layers may be intermittently formed, havinga regularity, on the front face of the current collector 100. Forexample, the electrode layers may be formed in rectangular regions atpredetermined intervals, as illustrated in FIG. 19.

Note that the first counter electrode layer forming step S1201 andsecond counter electrode layer forming step S1202 may be executed beforethe outer electrode layer forming step S1100 and first electrode layerforming step S1101, or may be executed afterwards.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first solidelectrolyte layer forming step S1401 and second solid electrolyte layerforming step S1402.

The first solid electrolyte layer 213 is formed on at least one of thefirst counter electrode layer 212 and outer electrode layer 211 by thesolid electrolyte layer forming unit 440, by the first solid electrolytelayer forming step S1401 being performed. The solid electrolyte layerforming unit 440 may apply a coating material (a paste-like coatingagent, in which materials making up the first solid electrolyte layer213 have been kneaded with a solvent) on at least one of the firstcounter electrode layer 212 and outer electrode layer 211, for example.The coating material may then be dried. The coating material may bepressed after drying. This enables the density of the material of thefirst solid electrolyte layer 213 to be increased.

The first solid electrolyte layer 213 may be formed on both of the firstcounter electrode layer 212 and outer electrode layer 211, asillustrated in FIG. 20.

Alternatively, the first solid electrolyte layer 213 may be formed ononly one of the first counter electrode layer 212 and outer electrodelayer 211. In this case, the first solid electrolyte layer forming stepS1401 may be executed before one of the outer electrode layer formingstep S1100 and first counter electrode layer forming step S1201.

The second solid electrolyte layer 223 is formed on at least one of thefirst electrode layer 221 and second counter electrode layer 222 by thesolid electrolyte layer forming unit 440, by the second solidelectrolyte layer forming step S1402 being performed. The solidelectrolyte layer forming unit 440 may apply a coating material (apaste-like coating agent, in which materials making up the second solidelectrolyte layer 223 have been kneaded with a solvent) on at least oneof the first electrode layer 221 and second counter electrode layer 222,for example. The coating material may then be dried. The coatingmaterial may be pressed after drying. This enables the density of thematerial of the second solid electrolyte layer 223 to be increased.

The second solid electrolyte layer 223 may be formed on both of thefirst electrode layer 221 and second counter electrode layer 222, asillustrated in FIG. 20.

Alternatively, the second solid electrolyte layer 223 may be formed ononly one of the first electrode layer 221 and second counter electrodelayer 222. In this case, the second solid electrolyte layer forming stepS1402 may be executed before one of the first electrode layer formingstep S1101 and second counter electrode layer forming step S1202.

Note that the first solid electrolyte layer forming step S1401 may beexecuted before the second solid electrolyte layer forming step S1402,or may be executed afterwards.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of thecurrent collector 100 where electrode layers, counter electrode layers,and solid electrolyte layers have been formed.

Indicated by (a) in FIG. 21 is an x-z diagram (cross-sectional viewtaken along 21A in FIG. 21), illustrating a schematic configuration ofthe current collector 100.

Indicated by (b) FIG. 21 is an x-y diagram (cross-sectional view takenalong 21B in FIG. 21), illustrating a schematic configuration of thecurrent collector 100.

Note that in the first solid electrolyte layer forming step S1401, thefirst solid electrolyte layer 213 may be formed over a greater area thanthe outer electrode layer 211 and first counter electrode layer 212, asillustrated in FIG. 21. Accordingly, the first solid electrolyte layer213 can be disposed in contact with the first current collector 110 andouter current collector 140.

Also, in the second solid electrolyte layer forming step S1402, thesecond solid electrolyte layer 223 may be formed over a greater areathan the first electrode layer 221 and second counter electrode layer222, as illustrated in FIG. 21. Accordingly, the second solidelectrolyte layer 223 can be disposed in contact with the first currentcollector 110 and second current collector 120.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first fold regionfolding step S1301, first linking portion folding step S1501, and asecond linking portion folding step S1501.

The first fold region 116 is folded by the current collector foldingunit 430, by the first fold region folding step S1301 being executed.The current collector folding unit 430 may have a folding member 616(e.g., rod member, wire member, etc.), for example. The currentcollector folding unit 430 may at this time apply the folding member 616against the first fold region 116, and move at least one of the currentcollector 100 and the folding member 616, thereby folding the first foldregion 116.

Folding the first fold region 116 in the first fold region folding stepS1301 forms the first fold portion 115 illustrated in the firstembodiment described above.

The first linking portion 151 is folded by the current collector foldingunit 430, by the first linking portion folding step S1501 beingexecuted. The current collector folding unit 430 may have a foldingmember 651 (e.g., rod member, wire member, etc.), for example. Thecurrent collector folding unit 430 may at this time apply the foldingmember 651 against the first linking portion 151, and move at least oneof the current collector 100 and the folding member 651, thereby foldingthe first linking portion 151.

The second linking portion 152 is folded by the current collectorfolding unit 430, by the second linking portion folding step S1502 beingexecuted. The current collector folding unit 430 may have a foldingmember 652 (e.g., rod member, wire member, etc.), for example. Thecurrent collector folding unit 430 may at this time apply the foldingmember 652 against the second linking portion 152, and move at least oneof the current collector 100 and the folding member 652, thereby foldingthe second linking portion 152.

The first fold region folding step S1301 may be executed before thefirst linking portion folding step S1501 and second linking portionfolding step S1502, or may be executed afterwards.

Further, first linking portion folding step S1501 may be executed beforethe second linking portion folding step S1502 or may be executedafterwards.

Alternatively, the first fold region folding step S1301, first linkingportion folding step S1501, and second linking portion folding stepS1502 may be executed at the same time, as illustrated in FIG. 22.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first linkingportion cutting step S1601 and second linking portion cutting stepS1602.

The first linking portion 151 is cut by the cutting unit 450, by thefirst linking portion cutting step S1601 being executed. The cuttingunit 450 may cut the first linking portion 151 (e.g., at position C1illustrated in FIG. 23) by a cutting member (e.g., cutter, die punchdevice, etc.), for example. Alternatively, the cutting unit 450 may cutthe first linking portion 151 using a method where part of the firstlinking portion 151 is removed by a chemical reaction or the like, forexample. The short-circuited state of the outer electrode layer 211 andfirst counter electrode layer 212 is resolved due to the first linkingportion 151 being cut. Accordingly, the first power-generating element210 can be charged/discharged as a cell battery.

The second linking portion 152 is cut by the cutting unit 450, by thesecond linking portion cutting step S1602 being executed. The cuttingunit 450 may cut the second linking portion 152 (e.g., at position C2illustrated in FIG. 23) by a cutting member (e.g., cutter, die punchdevice, etc.), for example. Alternatively, the cutting unit 450 may cutthe second linking portion 152 using a method where part of the secondlinking portion 152 is removed by a chemical reaction or the like, forexample. The short-circuited state of the first electrode layer 221 andsecond counter electrode layer 222 is resolved due to the second linkingportion 152 being cut. Accordingly, the second power-generating element220 can be charged/discharged as a cell battery.

Note that the first linking portion cutting step S1601 may be executedbefore the second linking portion cutting step S1602, or may be executedafterwards.

Alternatively, the first linking portion cutting step S1601 and secondlinking portion cutting step S1602 may be executed at the same time.

The current collector 100 becomes the outer current collector 140, firstcurrent collector 110, and second current collector 120 illustrated inthe first embodiment described above, by the first linking portioncutting step S1601 and second linking portion cutting step S1602 beingexecuted.

According to the specific example of the battery manufacturing methodaccording to the second embodiment described above, the battery 1000according to the first embodiment can be fabricated.

In the battery manufacturing apparatus 2100 according to the secondembodiment, the solid electrolyte layer forming unit 440 may form thefirst solid electrolyte layer 213 on part of the first fold region 116.The solid electrolyte layer forming unit 440 may also form the secondsolid electrolyte layer 223 on part of the first fold region 116.

In other words, in the battery manufacturing method according to thesecond embodiment, the first solid electrolyte layer 213 may be formedon part of the first fold region 116 by the solid electrolyte layerforming unit 440 in the first solid electrolyte layer forming stepS1401. Also, the second solid electrolyte layer 223 may be formed onpart of the first fold region 116 by the solid electrolyte layer formingunit 440 in the second solid electrolyte layer forming step S1402.

According to the above configuration, processing can be executed toprevent exposure of the first fold region 116 (i.e., the first foldportion 115 after folding the current collector 100) in the step offorming the solid electrolyte layers (at least one of the first solidelectrolyte layer 213 and second solid electrolyte layer 223). That isto say, the first fold region 116 (i.e., the first fold portion 115after folding the current collector 100) can be prevented from beingexposed, by a simple process. Accordingly, the probability of anothercurrent collector adjacent to the first fold portion 115 and the firstfold portion 115 short-circuiting can be reduced. Thus, the reliabilityof the battery can be improved.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of thecurrent collector 100 where electrode layers, counter electrode layers,and solid electrolyte layers have been formed.

Indicated by (a) in FIG. 24 is an x-z diagram (cross-sectional viewtaken along 24A in FIG. 24), illustrating a schematic configuration ofthe current collector 100.

Indicated by (b) FIG. 24 is an x-y diagram (cross-sectional view takenalong 24B in FIG. 24), illustrating a schematic configuration of thecurrent collector 100.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 24, part of the first fold portion115 is covered by the first solid electrolyte layer 213, and theremaining part of the first fold portion 115 is covered by the secondsolid electrolyte layer 223.

According to the battery manufacturing method described above, thebattery 1100 according to the above-described first embodiment can befabricated.

Note that in the battery manufacturing method according to the secondembodiment, the first fold portion 115 may be covered by the first solidelectrolyte layer 213 alone. Alternatively, the first fold portion 115may be covered by the second solid electrolyte layer 223 alone.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of thecurrent collector 100 where electrode layers, counter electrode layers,and solid electrolyte layers have been formed.

Indicated by (a) in FIG. 25 is an x-z diagram (cross-sectional viewtaken along 25A in FIG. 25), illustrating a schematic configuration ofthe current collector 100.

Indicated by (b) in FIG. 25 is an x-y diagram (cross-sectional viewtaken along 25B in FIG. 25), illustrating a schematic configuration ofthe current collector 100.

In the first solid electrolyte layer forming step S1401, the first solidelectrolyte layer 213 may be formed on the first linking portion 151 bythe solid electrolyte layer forming unit 440, as illustrated in FIG. 25.

According to the above configuration, the first solid electrolyte layer213 can be continuously formed on the outer electrode layer 211, firstlinking portion 151, and first counter electrode layer 212 in the firstsolid electrolyte layer forming step S1401. Accordingly, the step offorming the first solid electrolyte layer 213 can be further simplified.

The cutting unit 450 may at this time cut part of the first solidelectrolyte layer 213 formed on the first linking portion 151 in thefirst linking portion cutting step S1601, along with the first linkingportion 151.

In the second solid electrolyte layer forming step S1402, the secondsolid electrolyte layer 223 may be formed on the second linking portion152 by the solid electrolyte layer forming unit 440, as illustrated inFIG. 25.

According to the above configuration, the second solid electrolyte layer223 can be continuously formed on the first electrode layer 221, secondlinking portion 152, and second counter electrode layer 222 in thesecond solid electrolyte layer forming step S1402. Accordingly, the stepof forming the second solid electrolyte layer 223 can be furthersimplified.

The cutting unit 450 may at this time cut part of the second solidelectrolyte layer 223 formed on the second linking portion 152 in thesecond linking portion cutting step S1602, along with the second linkingportion 152.

In a case where the material making up the first solid electrolyte layer213 and second solid electrolyte layer 223 is the same (i.e., in a casewhere the coating material to become the first solid electrolyte layer213 and second solid electrolyte layer 223 is the same), the first solidelectrolyte layer forming step S1401 and second solid electrolyte layerforming step S1402 can be executed consecutively. This can furthersimplify the step of forming solid electrolyte layers.

Note that in the second embodiment, the first rear face region 112 andsecond rear face region 114 may come into contact with each other, dueto the current collector folding unit 430 folding the current collector100 at the first fold region 116.

In other words, the first rear face region 112 and second rear faceregion 114 may come into contact with each other due to the currentcollector 100 being folded at the first fold region 116 by the currentcollector folding unit 430 in the first fold region folding step S1301.

According to the above configuration, the first rear face region 112 andsecond rear face region 114 can be brought into contact with each otherby a simple process (folding step). This enables conduction ofelectricity between the first rear face region 112 and second rear faceregion 114, which are in contact with each other. Thus, electronmobility is realized at the first fold region 116 (i.e., the first foldportion 115), and also electron mobility is realized between the firstrear face region 112 and second rear face region 114 that are in contactwith each other, while increasing the bonding strength between thecomponent materials of the battery by the first fold region 116 (i.e.,the first fold portion 115).

Note that the entire faces of the first rear face region 112 and secondrear face region 114 may be in contact with each other, as illustratedin FIGS. 22 and 23 according to the second embodiment. Alternatively,part of the first rear face region 112 and second rear face region 114may be in contact with each other. Alternatively, the first rear faceregion 112 and second rear face region 114 do not have to be in contactwith each other. In this case, a separate member may be disposed betweenthe first rear face region 112 and second rear face region 114.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a batterymanufacturing apparatus 2200 according to the second embodiment.

The battery manufacturing apparatus 2200 according to the secondembodiment further has the following configuration, in addition to theconfiguration of the above-described battery manufacturing apparatus2100 according to the second embodiment.

That is to say, the battery manufacturing apparatus 2200 according tothe second embodiment is further provided with an adhesion portionforming unit 460.

The adhesion portion forming unit 460 forms a first adhesion portion 310in contact with at least one of the first rear face region 112 andsecond rear face region 114.

The first adhesion portion 310 is a portion adhering the first rear faceregion 112 and second rear face region 114 to each other.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a batterymanufacturing method according to the second embodiment.

The battery manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 27 further includesthe following steps, in addition to the steps of the above-describedbattery manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 16.

That is to say, the battery manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 27further includes a first adhesion portion forming step S1701 (i.e., astep (g1)).

The first adhesion portion forming step S1701 is a step in which thefirst adhesion portion 310 is formed in contact with at least one of thefirst rear face region 112 and second rear face region 114 by theadhesion portion forming unit 460.

According to the above manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method,the bonding strength among the component members of the battery can befurther improved. That is to say, the positional relationship betweenthe first counter electrode layer 212 disposed on the first front faceregion 111 and the first electrode layer 221 disposed on the secondfront face region 113 can be more strongly maintained by the firstadhesion portion 310, in addition to the first fold region 116 (i.e.,the first fold portion 115). Accordingly, the layers (or cells) makingup the battery can be prevented from exhibiting positional shifting orseparation due to shock, vibration, and so forth, when manufacturing thebattery or using the battery, for example. Thus, reliability of thebattery can be improved.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first adhesionportion forming step S1701.

The first adhesion portion 310 is formed in contact with at least one ofthe first rear face region 112 and second rear face region 114 by theadhesion portion forming unit 460, due to the first adhesion portionforming step S1701 being executed. The adhesion portion forming unit 460may apply a coating material (i.e., an adhesive material making up thefirst adhesion portion 310) on at least one of the first rear faceregion 112 and second rear face region 114, for example.

Note that in the first adhesion portion forming step S1701, the firstadhesion portion 310 may be formed in contact with both of the firstrear face region 112 and second rear face region 114, by the adhesionportion forming unit 460. Alternatively, the first adhesion portion 310may be formed in contact with only one of the first rear face region 112and second rear face region 114, by the adhesion portion forming unit460.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first fold regionfolding step S1301.

The first adhesion portion 310 can be disposed between the first rearface region 112 and second rear face region 114 by folding the currentcollector 100, where the first adhesion portion 310 has been formed, asillustrated in FIG. 29.

Note that the first adhesion portion forming step S1701 may be executedbefore the first fold region folding step S1301.

Alternatively, the first adhesion portion forming step S1701 may beperformed after the first fold region folding step S1301. At this time,the first adhesion portion forming step S1701 may be a step of formingthe first adhesion portion 310 by injecting adhesive material into thegap between the first rear face region 112 and second rear face region114 by the adhesion portion forming unit 460.

According to the above battery manufacturing method, the above-describedbattery 1200 according to the first embodiment can be fabricated.

Note that in the first adhesion portion forming step S1701, the firstadhesion portion 310 may be formed non-continuously in contact with atleast one of the first rear face region 112 and second rear face region114, by the adhesion portion forming unit 460. Thus, the above-describedbattery 1300 according to the first embodiment can be fabricated.

Note that in the second embodiment, the current collector 100 mayinclude the third rear face region 122, the fourth front face region123, the fourth rear face region 124, and a second fold region 126.

The third rear face region 122 is a region situated on the rear face ofthe third front face region 121.

The fourth rear face region 124 is a region situated on the rear face ofthe fourth front face region 123.

The second fold region 126 is a region situated between the third frontface region 121 and fourth front face region 123.

In the battery manufacturing apparatus according to the secondembodiment, the electrode layer forming unit 410 may form the secondelectrode layer 231 in contact with the fourth front face region 123.

Also, in the battery manufacturing apparatus according to the secondembodiment, the current collector folding unit 430 may fold the secondfold region 126.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a batterymanufacturing method according to the second embodiment.

The battery manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 30 further includesthe following steps, in addition to the steps of the above-describedbattery manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 16.

That is to say, the battery manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 30further includes a second electrode layer forming step S1102 (i.e., astep (a2)), and a second fold region folding step S1302 (i.e., a step(c2)).

The second electrode layer forming step S1102 is a step in which thesecond electrode layer 231 is formed in contact with the fourth frontface region 123 by the electrode layer forming unit 410.

The second fold region folding step S1302 is a step in which the secondfold region 126 is folded by the current collector folding unit 430.

According to the above manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method,the bonding strength among component members of the battery can befurther improved. That is to say, the second counter electrode layer 222and second electrode layer 231 can be respectively disposed on the thirdfront face region 121 and fourth front face region 123 (i.e., tworegions that are partial regions of the current collector 100 and thatare linked by the second fold region 126). Accordingly, the positionalrelationship between the position where the second counter electrodelayer 222 is formed and the position where the second electrode layer231 is formed can be strongly maintained by the second fold region 126(in other words, by the current collector 100 that is one component).Thus, the formation position of the second counter electrode layer 222and second electrode layer 231 can be prevented from deviating in a stepof forming the second counter electrode layer 222 and second electrodelayer 231 on the current collector 100 (or in other steps). Further, ina case where the laminated battery is configured using the currentcollector 100, for example, three battery cells (cells) making up thebattery can be linked with each other by the current collector 100 whenmanufacturing the battery. Thus, the layers (or cells) making up thebattery can be prevented from exhibiting positional shifting orseparation due to shock, vibration, and so forth, when manufacturing thebattery, for example. Thus, yield when manufacturing the battery can beimproved.

Also, according to the above configuration, electrodes having a bipolarstructure can be fabricated by a convenient single-face film formationprocess. That is to say, a bipolar current collector having the twopoles of the second counter electrode layer 222 and second electrodelayer 231 can be fabricated by the step of forming the second counterelectrode layer 222 and second electrode layer 231 on one face of thecurrent collector 100 (i.e., the front face of the current collector 100where the third front face region 121 and fourth front face region 123are situated), and the step of folding at the second fold region 126.Thus, bipolar-structure electrodes can be fabricated more convenientlyand less expensively as compared to a case of using a process of formingfilms on both faces of the current collector.

The current collector 100 may have a third linking portion 153 and afifth front face region 131 in the second embodiment.

The third linking portion 153 is a region adjacent to the fourth frontface region 123.

The fifth front face region 131 is a region adjacent to the thirdlinking portion 153.

Note that in the battery manufacturing apparatus according to the secondembodiment, the counter electrode layer forming unit 420 may form thethird counter electrode layer 232 in contact with the fifth front faceregion 131.

Also, in the battery manufacturing apparatus according to the secondembodiment, the solid electrolyte layer forming unit 440 may form thethird solid electrolyte layer 233 on at least one of the secondelectrode layer 231 and third counter electrode layer 232.

The current collector folding unit 430 may fold the third linkingportion 153.

The third solid electrolyte layer 233 may be disposed between the secondelectrode layer 231 and third counter electrode layer 232 at this time,by the current collector 100 being folded at the third linking portion153 by the current collector folding unit 430.

The cutting unit 450 may cut the third linking portion 153.

In other words, the battery manufacturing method according to the secondembodiment may further include a third counter electrode layer formingstep S1203 (i.e., a step (b3)), a third solid electrolyte layer formingstep S1403 (i.e., a step (d3)), a third linking portion folding stepS1503 (i.e., a step (e3)), and a third linking portion cutting stepS1603 (i.e., a step (f3)) as illustrated in FIG. 30.

The third counter electrode layer forming step S1203 is a step in whichthe third counter electrode layer 232 is formed in contact with thefifth front face region 131 by the counter electrode layer forming unit420.

The third solid electrolyte layer forming step S1403 is a step in whichthe third solid electrolyte layer 233 is formed on at least one of thesecond electrode layer 231 and third counter electrode layer 232 by thesolid electrolyte layer forming unit 440.

The third linking portion folding step S1503 is a step in which thethird linking portion 153 is folded by the current collector foldingunit 430. The third linking portion folding step S1503 may be executedafter the third solid electrolyte layer forming step S1403.

The third solid electrolyte layer 233 is disposed between the secondelectrode layer 231 and third counter electrode layer 232 due to thecurrent collector 100 being folded at the third linking portion 153 bythe current collector folding unit 430 in the third linking portionfolding step S1503.

The third linking portion cutting step S1603 is a step in which thethird linking portion 153 is cut by the cutting unit 450. The thirdlinking portion cutting step S1603 may be executed after the thirdlinking portion folding step S1503.

According to the above manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method,one solid battery cell (third power-generating element 230) can beconfigured from the second electrode layer 231, third counter electrodelayer 232, and third solid electrolyte layer 233. Thus, a laminatedbattery can be configured of the first power-generating element 210,second power-generating element 220, and third power-generating element230 each being serially connected via the first current collector 110and second current collector 120. The second power-generating element220 (i.e., the first electrode layer 221, second counter electrode layer222, and second solid electrolyte layer 223) and the thirdpower-generating element 230 (i.e., the second electrode layer 231,third counter electrode layer 232, and third solid electrolyte layer233) can be strongly linked by the second current collector 120 at thistime. Accordingly, the battery cells (second power-generating element220 and third power-generating element 230) that make up the battery canbe prevented from exhibiting positional shifting or separation due toshock, vibration, and so forth, when manufacturing the battery or usingthe battery, for example. That is to say, the strength of bonding of thebattery cells (second power-generating element 220 and thirdpower-generating element 230) that make up the battery can be improvedby the second current collector 120. Thus, the reliability of thebattery can be improved while raising the battery voltage by the serialconnection of the second power-generating element 220 and thirdpower-generating element 230.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second fold regionfolding step S1302 and third linking portion folding step S1503.

The second fold region 126 is folded by the current collector foldingunit 430, by the second fold region folding step S1302 being executed.The current collector folding unit 430 may have a folding member 626(e.g., rod member, wire member, etc.), for example. The currentcollector folding unit 430 may at this time apply the folding member 626against the second fold region 126, and move at least one of the currentcollector 100 and the folding member 626, thereby folding the secondfold region 126.

Folding the second fold region 126 in the second fold region foldingstep S1302 forms the second fold portion 125 illustrated in the firstembodiment described above.

The third linking portion 153 is folded by the current collector foldingunit 430, by the third linking portion folding step S1503 beingexecuted. The current collector folding unit 430 may have a foldingmember 653 (e.g., rod member, wire member, etc.), for example. Thecurrent collector folding unit 430 may at this time apply the foldingmember 653 against the third linking portion 153, and move at least oneof the current collector 100 and the folding member 653, thereby foldingthe third linking portion 153.

The second fold region folding step S1302 may be executed before thefirst fold region folding step S1301, first linking portion folding stepS1501, and second linking portion folding step S1502, or may be executedafterwards.

The third linking portion folding step S1503 may be executed before thesecond fold region folding step S1302, or may be executed afterwards.

Alternatively, the first fold region folding step S1301, second foldregion folding step S1302, first linking portion folding step S1501,second linking portion folding step S1502, and third linking portionfolding step S1503 may be executed at the same time, as illustrated inFIG. 31.

Also, in the third solid electrolyte layer forming step S1403, the thirdsolid electrolyte layer 233 may be formed over a greater area than thesecond electrode layer 231 and third counter electrode layer 232, asillustrated in FIG. 31. Accordingly, the third solid electrolyte layer233 can be disposed in contact with the second current collector 120 andthird current collector 130.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of the third linkingportion cutting step S1603.

The third linking portion 153 is cut by the cutting unit 450, by thethird linking portion cutting step S1603 being executed. The cuttingunit 450 may cut the third linking portion 153 by a cutting member(e.g., cutter, die punch device, etc.), for example. Alternatively, thecutting unit 450 may cut the third linking portion 153 using a methodwhere part of the third linking portion 153 is removed by a chemicalreaction or the like, for example. The short-circuited state of thesecond electrode layer 231 and third counter electrode layer 232 isresolved due to the third linking portion 153 being cut. Accordingly,the third power-generating element 230 can be charged/discharged as acell battery.

The third linking portion cutting step S1603 may be executed before thefirst linking portion cutting step S1601 and second linking portioncutting step S1602, or may be executed afterwards.

Alternatively, the first linking portion cutting step S1601, secondlinking portion cutting step S1602, and third linking portion cuttingstep S1603 may be executed at the same time (e.g., the position C3illustrated in FIG. 32 may be cut).

The current collector 100 becomes the outer current collector 140, firstcurrent collector 110, second current collector 120, and third currentcollector 130 illustrated in the first embodiment described above, bythe first linking portion cutting step S1601, second linking portioncutting step S1602, and third linking portion cutting step S1603 beingexecuted.

According to the specific example of the battery manufacturing methodaccording to the second embodiment described above, the battery 1400according to the above-described first embodiment can be fabricated.

Note that in the second embodiment, the adhesion portion forming unit460 may form the second adhesion portion 320 in contact with at leastone of the third rear face region 122 and fourth rear face region 124.

The second adhesion portion 320 is a portion that adheres the third rearface region 122 and fourth rear face region 124 to each other.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a batterymanufacturing method according to the second embodiment.

The battery manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 33 further includesthe following steps, in addition to the steps of the above-describedbattery manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 30.

That is to say, the battery manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 33further includes the first adhesion portion forming step S1701 (i.e.,the step (g1)) and a second adhesion portion forming step S1702 (i.e., astep (g2)).

The second adhesion portion forming step S1702 is a step in which thesecond adhesion portion 320 is formed in contact with at least one ofthe third rear face region 122 and fourth rear face region 124, by theadhesion portion forming unit 460.

According to the above manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method,the bonding strength among the component members of the battery can befurther improved. That is to say, the positional relationship betweenthe second counter electrode layer 222 disposed on the third front faceregion 121 and the second electrode layer 231 disposed on the fourthfront face region 123 can be more strongly maintained by the secondadhesion portion 320, in addition to the second fold region 126 (i.e.,the second fold portion 125). Accordingly, the layers (or cells) makingup the battery can be prevented from exhibiting positional shifting orseparation due to shock, vibration, and so forth, when manufacturing thebattery or using the battery, for example. Thus, reliability of thebattery can be improved.

The second adhesion portion forming step S1702 may be executed beforethe first adhesion portion forming step S1701, or may be executedafterwards.

The second adhesion portion forming step S1702 may also be executedbefore the second fold region folding step S1302.

Alternatively, the second adhesion portion forming step S1702 may beexecuted after the second fold region folding step S1302. At this time,the second adhesion portion forming step S1702 may be a step of formingthe second adhesion portion 320 by injecting adhesive material into thegap between the third rear face region 122 and fourth rear face region124 by the adhesion portion forming unit 460.

According to the above-described battery manufacturing method, theabove-described battery 1500 according to the first embodiment can befabricated.

Note that in the second embodiment, the electrode layer forming unit410, counter electrode layer forming unit 420, solid electrolyte layerforming unit 440, and adhesion portion forming unit 460 may each have,for example, a discharging mechanism (e.g., a discharge orifice) thatdischarges coating material (e.g., electrode material, counter electrodematerial, solid electrolyte material, adhesive material, etc.), a supplymechanism (e.g., a tank and supply tube) that supplies the coatingmaterial to the discharge mechanism, a conveyance mechanism (e.g., aroller) that conveys an object to be coated or the like, a pressingmechanism (e.g., a pressing stand and a cylinder) that applies pressurefor compression, and so forth. Commonly known apparatuses and membersmay be used for these mechanisms as appropriate.

Note that in the second embodiment, the current collector folding unit430 may be provided with, for example, a folding mechanism (e.g., rodmember, wire member, etc.) that folds an object of folding, a conveyingmechanism (e.g., roller) that conveys the object of folding or the like,and so forth. Commonly known apparatuses and members may be used forthese mechanisms as appropriate.

Note that in the second embodiment, the cutting unit 450 may be providedwith, for example, a cutting mechanism (e.g., cutter, die punch device,etc.), that cuts an object of cutting, a conveying mechanism (e.g.,roller) that moves an object of cutting or the like, and so forth.Commonly known apparatuses and members may be used for these mechanismsas appropriate.

Note that the battery manufacturing apparatus according to the secondembodiment may further have a control unit 500. The control unit 500controls operations of the electrode layer forming unit 410, counterelectrode layer forming unit 420, current collector folding unit 430,solid electrolyte layer forming unit 440, cutting unit 450, and adhesionportion forming unit 460.

The control unit 500 may be configured of a processor and memory, forexample. The processor may be a central processing unit (CPU) ormicroprocessor unit (MPU) or the like, for example. At this time, theprocessor may execute the control method (battery manufacturing method)disclosed in the present disclosure by reading out and executingprograms stored in the memory.

Note that the battery manufacturing method according to the secondembodiment is not restricted to coating for the electrode layers,counter electrode layers, and solid electrolyte layers. These may beformed by other techniques (e.g., sequential laminating, applying twoobjects to each other, transferring, etc.), or by combinations ofcoating and other techniques, and so forth.

Note that in the battery manufacturing method according to the secondembodiment, the power-generating elements may be pressed by a press orthe like, after the folding steps of the insulating portions or thelike. This can realize higher packing density, and stronger adhesion.That is to say, applying pressure in the layer direction of the layersenables making the layers more precise and in a better bonding statewith each other.

The battery according to the present disclosure can be used as a batteryfor electronic equipment, electric appliances, electric vehicles, and soforth.

What is claimed is:
 1. A battery manufacturing method using a batterymanufacturing apparatus, wherein the battery manufacturing apparatusincludes an electrode layer forming unit, a counter electrode layerforming unit, a solid electrolyte layer forming unit, and a currentcollector folding unit that folds a current collector, wherein thecurrent collector includes a first front face region, a first rear faceregion, a second front face region, a second rear face region, and afirst fold region, wherein the first rear face region is a regionsituated on the rear face of the first front face region, wherein thesecond rear face region is a region situated on the rear face of thesecond front face region, wherein the first fold region is a regionsituated between the first front face region and the second front faceregion, the method comprising steps of: forming (a1) the first electrodelayer in contact with the second front face region by the electrodelayer forming unit; forming (b1) the first counter electrode layer,which is a counter electrode of the first electrode layer, in contactwith the first front face region, by the counter electrode layer formingunit; forming a first solid electrolyte layer on the first fold regionby the solid electrolyte layer forming unit; and folding (c1) the firstfold region by the current collector folding unit, wherein the firstrear face region and the second rear face region are positioned facingeach other, due to the current collector being folded at the first foldregion in the folding step (c1).
 2. The battery manufacturing methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the battery manufacturing apparatusfurther includes a cutting unit, wherein the current collector includesa first linking portion adjacent to the first front face region, and anouter region adjacent to the first linking portion, the method furthercomprising steps of: forming (a0) an outer electrode layer, which is acounter electrode of the first counter electrode layer, in contact withthe outer region, by the electrode layer forming unit; forming (d1) thefirst solid electrolyte layer on at least one of the first counterelectrode layer and outer electrode layer by the solid electrolyte layerforming unit; folding (e1) the first linking portion by the currentcollector folding unit, after the forming step (d1); and cutting (f1)the first linking portion by the cutting unit, after the folding step(e1), wherein the first solid electrolyte layer is interposed betweenthe first counter electrode layer and the outer electrode layer, due tothe current collector being folded at the first linking portion by thecurrent collector folding unit in the folding step (e1).
 3. The batterymanufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein the current collectorincludes a second linking portion adjacent to the second front faceregion and a third front face region adjacent to the second linkingportion, the method further comprising steps of: forming (b2) a secondcounter electrode layer, which is a counter electrode of the firstelectrode layer, in contact with the third front face region, by thecounter electrode layer forming unit; forming (d2) a second solidelectrolyte layer on at least one of the first electrode layer and thesecond counter electrode layer by the solid electrolyte layer formingunit; folding (e2) the second linking portion by the current collectorfolding unit after the forming step (d2); and cutting (f2) the secondlinking portion by the cutting unit after the folding (e2), wherein thesecond solid electrolyte layer is interposed between the first electrodelayer and the second counter electrode layer, due to the currentcollector being folded at the second linking portion by the currentcollector folding unit in the folding step (e2).
 4. The batterymanufacturing method according to claim 3, wherein a first solidelectrolyte layer is formed on a part of the first fold region by thesolid electrolyte layer forming unit in the forming step (d1), or, asecond solid electrolyte layer is formed on part of the first foldregion by the solid electrolyte layer forming unit in the forming step(d2).
 5. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 1, whereinthe first rear face region and second rear face region come into contactwith each other, due to the current collector being folded at the firstfold region by the current collector folding unit in the folding step(c1).
 6. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 1, whereinthe battery manufacturing apparatus further includes an adhesion portionforming unit that forms a first adhesion portion that adheres the firstrear face region and second rear face region to each other, the methodfurther comprising a step of: forming (g1) the first adhesion portion incontact with at least one of the first rear face region and the secondrear face region, by the adhesion portion forming unit.
 7. The batterymanufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the current collectorincludes a second linking portion adjacent to the second front faceregion, a third front face region adjacent to the second linkingportion, a third rear face region, a fourth front face region, a fourthrear face region, and a second fold region, wherein the third rear faceregion is a region situated at the rear face of the third front faceregion, wherein the fourth rear face region is a region situated at therear face of the fourth front face region, wherein the second foldregion is a region situated between the third front face region andfourth front face region, the method further comprising steps of:forming (a2) a second electrode layer in contact with the fourth frontface region by the electrode layer forming unit; forming (b2) a secondcounter electrode layer, which is a counter electrode of the firstelectrode layer and the second electrode layer, in contact with thethird front face region, by the counter electrode layer forming unit;folding (c2) the second fold region by the current collector foldingunit; forming (d2) a second solid electrolyte layer on at least one ofthe first electrode layer and the second counter electrode layer by thesolid electrolyte layer forming unit; folding (e2) the second linkingportion by the current collector folding unit after the forming step(d2); and cutting (f2) the second linking portion by the cutting unitafter the folding step (e2), wherein the second solid electrolyte layeris interposed between the first electrode layer and second counterelectrode layer, due to the current collector being folded at the secondlinking portion by the current collector folding unit in the foldingstep (e2).